South Central Railway workers demand better deal

HYDERABAD: South Central Railway Mazdoor Union president V P Pillai called upon railwaymen to be ready to launch an indefinite strike if the railway board failed to settle their demands for better working conditions. The Union members staged a dharna at the SCR general manager’s office here on Thursday protesting against the non-implementation of some agreements. Pillai complained that guards and drivers were being harassed to work for more than 12 hours by their higher officials.The matter was taken to notice of the administration but, even after an assurance, the working hours have not been reduced so far, as per the board orders, he said.Union general secretary Ch Sankara Rao alleged irregularities in selections, promotions and transfers. Some corrupt officials are bringing disrepute to the SCR, the Union leader lamented.