The GRP (Government Railway Police) has registered an FIR against office-bearers of the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) in connection with a sudden protest at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on 6 November. Following this, the union has taken a firmer stance against the administration. A notice posted on the union’s board warned that members could soon adopt a ‘work-to-rule’ agitation.
What is Work-to-Rule?
Work-to-rule is a form of employee protest where workers strictly follow every rule, procedure, and protocol. This means that any flexibility, speed, coordination, or discretion normally used in daily work is completely suspended.
In day-to-day operations, employees often take shortcuts or rely on experience to keep the system running smoothly. Under work-to-rule, they strictly adhere to rules without doing even an extra inch of work.
Even though employees are on duty, this strict compliance slows down operations. It can delay entry and exit, increase waiting times, slow movements in yards, and ultimately affect the entire network’s schedule, causing train delays.
Union’s Position
Departmental secretary S.K. Dubey said, “We learned about this incident through newspapers. The GRP has not provided any official information to our members or office-bearers so far.” Regarding the timing of the proposed work-to-rule action, he added, “The administration will be given proper notice before the agitation begins.”
Background of the Dispute
The conflict started with the sudden protest in the motorman–guard lobby at CSMT on 6 November. The protest was linked to an FIR registered against two CRMS engineers following the death of five passengers in Mumbra on 9 June.
It is alleged that, along with two CRMS office-bearers, 30–40 supporters blocked suburban train services for nearly an hour during peak time. This had serious consequences: two passengers walking on the tracks near Sandhurst Road were killed, and three others were injured after being hit by an oncoming train.
CRMS claims that the technical report from VJTI, which formed the basis of the FIR, contains “major errors.” They allege that external agencies are being used to “harass employees” and undermine their morale.
CRMS president Praveen Vajpayee stated that the CSMT protest was a “spontaneous reaction” by workers following an official demonstration outside the Divisional Railway Manager’s office.
Railway Police Statement
The railway police said that the investigation is ongoing and appropriate action will be taken.
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