IRTSA to resort to three phase agitations

Tiruchirapalli, Feb 23 (UNI) The Indian Railways Technical Supervisors Association (IRTSA) has warned of a three-phase agitation including direct action programme, if the ensuing Railway Budget does not annouce any remedial measures for their long-standing demands.

Addressing a press conference here last night, IRTSA Central President M Shanmugam said rumours stating that the sixth pay commission had recommended only for 1.5 to 2.5 per cent hike on the basic salary of the employees was humiliating. They wanted at least 5.4 per cent hike on their present basic pay, he added.

They also demanded for separate pay commission for Railway employees and two grade upgradation for every grade.

Mr Shanmugam urged Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad to press the Centre for the legitimate demand of the employees and should fulfill their long pending demands immediately.

Explaining three phase stir, he said instead of stopping trains they would resort to work to rule agitation, which would affect the movements of trains.

Even after this, if the Railway Ministry would fail to meet their demands, they had no other alternative but to resort to direct action porogramme, he added.

If there was any relief for their demands in the Union Railway Budget to be presented on February 27, they would resort to candle torch agitation infront of the Chennai Central railway station on the midnight of February 27, he added.

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