Senior railway officials of the Chennai division of Southern Railway convened a meeting with members of the Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) to discuss the various demands of the loco running staff, including the slow progress of the recruitment of loco drivers.
The meeting comes in the wake of more than 1,000 loco staff affiliated with the SRMU submitting mass leave applications to protest the neglect of their demands.
Paul Maxwell Johnson, Divisional secretary of SRMU, said goods loco drivers are being made to work nearly 12 hours against a nine-hour shift. Some of their demands include providing night rest for loco drivers performing continuous night duties, providing air-conditioned cabins for loco drivers, and sanctioning of leaves for eligible loco drivers.
Regarding the slow progress of loco drivers, the SRMU wanted the loco pilot selection list to be published and any pending promotions and depot transfers to be issued.
In its memorandum, the SRMU said that the slow progress of the selection of loco drivers was causing hardships in the shunting of locos, electrical multiple unit (EMU) train operations and also long-distance trains.
A senior official of Southern Railway said that SRMU’s demands have been noted and would be resolved.
Published – May 09, 2026 05:30 am IST
