HC seeks permanent status for CR staff

The National Railway Mazdoor Union, represented by advocate Colin Gonsalves, filed the petition last year on behalf of vendors working on contract. They also asked the court to restrain the CR from awarding contract/licenses to any private contractor for running the catering service on Shatabdi Express.These workers carry out the sale of food articles and other items at railway stations through catering stalls, shops or trolleys. They state that though their work is equivalent to that of a permanent employee, their remuneration and other benefits do not match. They are not entitled to any percentage of commission on the actual sales effected by them. Neither are they given any post-retirement benefits.

During the eighties, these workers filed a petition in the Supreme Court against South Central Railway and Central Railway. On September 8, 1987, the apex court ruled that 639 vendors and 140 bearers should be progressively absorbed as permanent catering staff, as and when vacancies arise. In 1990, 103 bearers were absorbed. But, petitioners claim, the process stopped thereafter. Only 36 bearers were taken at CST station in 1996, whereas the vacancies were 40.

The union alleged that in Jan 1992, the Railway Board took the decision to award catering services to private contractors. As a result, five major trains were given on contract, accounting for over 360 vendors and bearers. The union complained to the court that such a policy decision goes against the Supreme Court ruling.