Salem railway goods shed workers staged a protest on Saturday against a recently introduced 24-hour work system, demanding a return to the earlier 6am-to-6pm operating schedule and action on long-pending welfare requirements.
The demonstration was organised by the CITU-affiliated Salem railway goods shed loading and unloading workers’ union at the goods shed premises near the old bus stand area. A large number of workers participated in the protest, according to the report.
The workers urged the railway administration to withdraw the “round-the-clock” work order and restore the previous arrangement under which goods shed operations were carried out between 6am and 6pm. The demand places the organisation of cargo-handling work at the railway facility at the centre of the dispute.
A Govindan, secretary of the union, said the workers also opposed moves to privatise railway goods sheds through facilities such as the Goods Cargo Terminal (GCT), Private Freight Terminal (PFT) and alternative goods shed models. These facilities are linked to changes in the way railway freight handling and goods shed operations are organised, though the report does not specify any immediate change at the Salem facility.
Alongside the shift-hours demand, the protesting workers sought the issuance of identity cards and the implementation of Employees’ State Insurance and Provident Fund schemes. They also demanded basic amenities at the goods shed, including drinking water, rest rooms, bathrooms and toilets.
The welfare demands indicate that the protest is not limited to the timing of operations. The workers are also seeking formal identification, access to statutory social-security benefits and basic facilities at their workplace. The report does not state how many workers are attached to the goods shed or whether the railway administration has responded to the demands.
Union president R Venkatapathi and treasurer P Sakthivel addressed the gathering and explained the workers’ demands. Govindan headed the protest, which was held at the goods shed premises near Salem’s old bus stand area.
The dispute comes as railway goods-handling facilities are being discussed in the context of different operating models, including GCT, PFT and alternative goods shed arrangements. For workers involved in loading and unloading, the immediate concerns raised at Salem relate to working hours, employment protections and workplace amenities.
The railway administration’s next response will determine whether the 24-hour work order is reviewed and whether the workers’ demands for identity cards, ESI, PF and basic facilities are taken up. No further decision or implementation timeline was provided in the report.
