TDS Desk:

The staffs of Railway are set to go on strike due to unresolved issues regarding the inclusion of running allowances with basic salaries for calculating pensions and gratuity benefits.

Hence, train operations across the country could come to a halt starting Monday (January 27) at midnight. This program is being organized by the Bangladesh Railway Running Staff and Workers-Employees Association.

The Ministry of Railways has not provided a clear statement on the matter but mentioned that discussions with the running staff are ongoing.

According to sources within the railway sector, running staff—such as drivers, assistant drivers, guards, and ticket checkers—are entitled to rest periods of 12 hours when returning to their headquarters and 8 hours at an outer station after completing their duties. If a running staff member is required to work during their rest period for the benefit of the railway, they receive additional compensation, known as “mileage” benefits.

On November 3, 2021, the Ministry of Finance issued a letter to the Ministry of Railways recommending limitations on the mileage benefits. The letter proposed capping mileage benefits at a maximum of 30 working days and excluding allowances from the calculation of pensions and gratuity benefits for running staff, treating them as regular civilian employees.

This decision has sparked dissatisfaction among running staff, leading to the planned work stoppage to press for their demands.