Indian Railways goods shed workers score wage hike win

Mumbai: A significant victory has been achieved for Indian railway goods shed workers, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Bharatiya Railway Mal Godam Shramik Union (BRMGSU). The union’s long-standing demand for region-based wages has finally been met.

Effective immediately, goods shed workers will see a substantial increase in their earnings. The new wage structure, calculated for a 26-day month, varies based on location. Workers in metro cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Nagpur will now receive a total of Rs. 778 per day, comprising Rs. 523 as base wages and Rs 255 as variable dearness allowance (VDA). For those in industrial hubs like Asansol, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Durgapur, Raipur, Patna, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, the daily wage is Rs. 651 (Rs 437 base wages + Rs 214 VDA). Workers in other regions, including Kharagpur and Bilaspur, will earn Rs 522 per day (Rs 350 base wages + Rs 172 VDA). Beyond the wage hike, the union has also secured several other demands, including the provision of basic amenities like rest rooms, toilets, and drinking water.

Additionally, workers will now be entitled to insurance and pension benefits. A major breakthrough for the workers is their inclusion in a separate category on the e-Shram portal, even without the issuance of railway identity cards.

Talking to Bizz Buzz, Bishwajit Baskey, Labor Sardar, BRMGSU says, “Today, as the dust settles on our hard-fought struggle, my heart is filled with immense joy and relief. The victory we have achieved under the banner of BRMGSU is not just a win for us, but a beacon of hope for millions of workers like me.”

This is a historic moment, marking the dawn of a new era where the rights and dignity of the working class will be upheld. I am confident that this triumph will bring about a significant improvement in the lives of countless workers and their families. Together, we have proven that united we stand, and our voices cannot be silenced, he said. This step is seen as a crucial first step towards formalizing their employment status.

The BRMGSU president, Prashant Bhadra, emphasized that “this is just the beginning.”

The union is now focused on securing railway identity cards for all goods shed workers and integrating them into the railway payroll with the revised wage structure. To achieve these goals, the union is prepared to launch even larger protests if necessary.

Bhadra also highlighted the need for a living wage for India’s vast workforce, a cause the union is committed to championing. This landmark achievement is expected to significantly improve the lives of thousands of goods shed workers and set a precedent for better working conditions in the Indian railway sector.