Railway Union: “Strike, Stop Trains…” If Old Pension Scheme Not Revoked

The Joint Forum for Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (JFROPS), which comprises numerous railway employee unions and workers, has issued a threat to halt all train services starting May 1 unless the government agrees to reinstate the old pension system.

Shiv Gopal Mishra, Convener of JFROPS, expressed frustration, stating, “The government has shown no willingness to meet our demand for the restoration of the ‘Defined Guarantied Old Pension Scheme’ instead of the ‘New Pension Scheme’. Therefore, we have no choice but to resort to direct action.”

Mishra, who also serves as the General Secretary of All India Railwaymen’s Federation, stated, “Representatives from various federations under JFROPS have collectively agreed to officially notify the Railway Ministry on March 19 about the planned nationwide strike and the subsequent disruption of all train services starting May 1, 2024, which coincides with International Labour Day.”

Additionally, Mishra highlighted that several unions representing other government employees, also part of JFROPS, will participate in the strike alongside railway workers.

The press note released by JFROPS urged all constituent organizations to take necessary measures and prepare to serve strike notices to their respective Administrations appropriately.

Mishra emphasized that while the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) served the best interests of the workers, the New Pension Scheme fails to adequately address the welfare of employees.