Bangladesh comes to a halt as railway union strike stops trains in their tracks

Train drivers and staffers of Bangladesh Railways went on an indefinite strike on Tuesday, leading to nationwide disruption in rail communication in the country, The Daily Star reported.

The employees of Railways are demanding special allowances after retirement and other benefits.

A meeting between the railway authorities and the leaders of the drivers’ association ended unsuccessfully on Monday.

After the meeting, Additional Director General Ahmed Mahbub Chowdhury, who represented Bangladesh Railway, said to The Daily Star that the association leaders were “adamant” about their demands and left the meeting midway.

Saidur Rahman, acting president of the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Sramik Karmachari Union, emphasised that since there was no fruitful negotiation with the authorities, their nationwide strike has started.

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“Our nationwide indefinite work abstention has begun since there was no fruitful negotiation with the authorities. All types of trains, including freight and oil tankers, will be under the purview of the work abstention,” Rahman said.

He said no train would start its journey after midnight, but trains already on their way would not be affected by the strike.

Bangladesh Railway runs over 350 passenger trains daily, including more than 100 intercity trains, and over 30 freight trains.

Due to a manpower shortage, train drivers and their assistants (locomasters, assistant locomasters), guards, and travelling ticket checkers work extra hours beyond their shift. Though they are paid for the extra work, until 2021, they received pension benefits based on overtime.

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However, in November 2021, the Awami League government stopped providing pension benefits for extra work. After a strike in April 2022, the railways ministry intervened and decided to continue the benefits. Still, staff members have been demanding the cancellation of the November 2021 order.

Additionally, newly appointed assistant locomasters in 2022 have not received this benefit.  Their appointment letters stated they would not get extra pay during their service or after retirement.

In December last year, the newly recruited locomasters went on strike. They demanded the benefits given to their predecessors. At the same time, the locomasters stopped taking on extra duties for several days and called for the cancellation of the 2021 gazette.

They ended their protest after receiving an assurance from railway authorities.