Demand for scientific job evaluation of loco pilots to assess pay, service conditions

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The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA), South Zone, has urged the Eighth Central Pay Commission to assess the pay and service conditions of Loco Running staff through a proper scientific job analysis taking into account the intensive nature of their duties, irregular biological work patterns and the exceptionally high levels of responsibility and accountability involved.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at the association’s convention held at Tiruchi on Wednesday.

The convention highlighted the distinctive working conditions of the Loco Running staff who operate trains round-the-clock under “irregular and unpredictable” duty schedules that disrupt their normal biological rhythms.

Unlike employees working fixed schedules and within limited work places, Loco Pilots operate trains across divisional and zonal boundaries bearing continuous responsibility for the safety of passengers, railway property and public life throughout their journeys, the convention said.

The convention demanded due consideration of the unique nature of Loco Pilots duties in the recommendations of the Eighth Central Pay Commission.

Central organising secretary of AILRSA V. Balachandran pointed out at the convention that despite a Madras High Court order dated April 26, 2022, directing the Ministry of Labour to conduct a job analysis of Loco Pilots duties, the process has been delayed by subsequent legal proceedings including review petitions. He urged the Ministry of Labour to ensure that the job analysis was completed without further delay, a press release said.

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