IN a powerful display of unity, several trade unions and railway associations came together for a National Convention at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) in Kolkata on March 30, 2025, to raise their voice against the government’s aggressive push towards privatisation, outsourcing, and corporatisation of the Indian Railways. The convention was organised by the CLW Labour Union, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), amidst growing concerns over safety, job security, and the welfare of railway workers.

Representatives from key associations, including the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), All India Station Masters’ Association (AISMA), All India Guards Council (AIGC), and the All India Railway Trackmaintainer Union (AIRTU), participated in the convention. CITU-affiliated unions such as the Dakshin Railway Employees Union and the ICF United Workers Union also extended their support.

Addressing the gathering, union leaders condemned the government's plans to hand over critical railway infrastructure, workshops, and operations to private players, who, they said, are driven solely by profit and have no concern for the safety of passengers or the rights of railway employees.

"The safety cadre itself is not being spared from outsourcing," said a representative from AILRSA. "This reckless approach is putting the lives of millions at risk, as seen in the increasing frequency of train derailments across the country."

Another pressing concern raised was the forced implementation of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) or Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) on railway employees who joined service on or after April 1, 2004. Workers demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which offers better security and benefits.

The convention concluded with a unified call to action around six major demands:

• Stop the privatisation of Indian Railways.
• Scrap NPS/UPS and restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
• Fill up all existing vacancies across departments.
• Ensure minimum wages and social security for all contractual workers.
• Guarantee impartial recommendations by the 8th Pay Commission for all categories of railway workers.
• Ensure safety in Indian Railways.

The unions warned that failure to address these issues would lead to escalated national-level protests. With the participation of major railway worker bodies, the convention marked a significant moment in the growing resistance against the dismantling of one of India’s largest public sector employers.

The Joint National Convention of Railway Trade Unions and Associations was inaugurated by K Hemalata, President of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), marking a pivotal moment in the growing movement against privatisation and exploitation in Indian Railways.

In her inaugural address, Hemalata underscored the urgency of the convention in the current socio-political context. "The most significant issue Indian Railways is facing today is privatisation," she declared. "Alongside this, the exploitation of working classes has only intensified, especially among railway workers."

Following her address, Rajib Gupta, General Secretary of CLW Labour Union, presented a detailed report on behalf of the participating trade unions and associations. After extending his congratulations to the attending bodies, Gupta emphasized the need for a strong, united movement to defend the rights of railway employees amidst growing threats of corporatisation and job insecurity.

KC James, Secretary General of the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), spoke extensively about the worsening conditions for railway workers, while Rajaraman, Working President of the ICF United Workers Union, highlighted the alarming levels of privatisation in the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). He noted that multinational companies were now handling coach production work previously done by ICF staff, exacerbating the problem of dwindling manpower.

From the All India Guards Council (AIGC), Ramdev extended full support to the CLW Labour Union and the convention’s demands, calling for broader mobilisation around key worker issues. Similarly, S K Jaiswal of the All India Station Masters’ Association (AISMA) voiced his concern about understaffing, warning that reduced manpower is directly compromising passenger safety.

The convention also made space for voices from the unorganised sector. Tapas Lahiri, representing Railway Contractor Labour, spoke about the routine denial of basic entitlements such as minimum wages, PF, and ESI to contract workers. Amit Malangi from Sangrami Shramik Union pledged full support to the movement to scrap the NPS/UPS and reinstate the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

In a closing address, Abhas Ray Chaudhury of CITU reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to building a unified struggle of both organised and unorganised railway workers. “The strength of CITU-affiliated unions lies in their unity. It is this unity that will power the movement ahead,” he said.

The convention concluded with the adoption of a joint resolution that called for creating a new platform for coordinated struggle within Indian Railways; to take up six key demands including halting privatisation, scrapping NPS/UPS, filling vacancies, ensuring safety, fair wages for contract workers, and impartial implementation of the 8th Pay Commission and to hold a follow-up national convention in Chennai in May 2025, galvanising the movement nationwide.

With resounding solidarity, the convention marked the beginning of a renewed phase of resistance by the working class within Indian Railways.

The convention concluded the following key resolutions:

• Campaign among Railway Employees from May 7-14, 2025, focusing on the above demands and mobilising for the General Strike on May 20 against the Labour Codes.
• Hold the Next Joint National Convention in May 2025 to take forward the momentum of the movement.
• Launch a Public Awareness Campaign among the general public on the key issues affecting railway workers and the broader implications of privatisation and anti-worker policies.
• Form a Joint Platform for Mass Movement, bringing together all unions and associations that oppose the current anti-worker policies of the government, in order to coordinate and intensify the struggle.