DMRC employees in protest mode

Even after 30 months since the wage revision, the management has not acted to make it effective
Sadiq Naqvi Delhi

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is mired in yet another controversy. On September 16, several DMRC employees assembled at Fire Brigade Lane off Barakhamba Road demonstrating against the management.

Hardnews learnt that wage revision of DMRC employees in the Sixth Pay Commission was supposed to be applicable from January 1, 2006. But, DMRC is adopting it from January 1, 2007.

Even after 30 months since the wage revision, the management is quiet and has not initiated any discussion with the leadership of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Employees Union (DMRCEU). This is the only union of DMRC employees. "We have requested the management several times to hold negotiations with us but they haven't," Satish, vice-president of DMRCEU told Hardnews.

The employees are also unhappy that the management still does not recognise the DMRCEU even though it is registered under the Trade Union Act. They alleged that office bearers of the DMRCEU are often victimised for on not toeing the line of the management. "The DMRCEU president was sacked after eight years of service on the charge of having a criminal record," an employee said.

However, the DMRCEU president, Indrajeet, said, "I was lured by the management to accept a promotion and in return distance myself from the union. When I refused, they sacked me." His case is still pending at the Central Administrative Tribunal.

"The DMRC management is adopting a dictatorial approach. They are not concerned about the employees. They are only interested in winning international awards," Tapan Sen, Rajya Sabha MP, told Hardnews. He was present with the employees' at the protest demonstration.

Sen went on to add, "No corporation can be above the law of the land. The management should listen to the grievances of the employees."

More than 1,000 employees are members of the DMRCEU. Since Monday, all of them are reportedly observing 'Black days' and coming to work with black bands on their arms.

DMRCEU said it will continue its agitation against the management till its demands are met. However, they don't want to go on strike keeping in mind the inconvenience it will cause to the commuters. DMRCEU demands that the management should initiate discussions with the union and wage revision should be effective for a period of five years from January 1, 2007.

Meanwhile, Hardnews learnt that the staff council of DMRC, too, has resigned on Tuesday. DMRC spokesperson though refused to comment.