Members of unions affiliated to the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) marched with banners from Gorakhpur railway station to the venue of the AIRF’s 93rd annual convention on 15 November.
The minister of state for railways, Manoj Sinha, opened the convention, stressing that the government prioritised safety in Indian Railways. He warned that new technology in Indian Railways was inevitable but assured the audience that there would be no privatisation of the state company.
Addressing the convention, Mr Cotton said: “The AIRF is one of the biggest ITF affiliates, and we’re very proud of its achievements. Railway unions around the world should take lessons from the approach the AIRF takes to the struggles faced by railway workers.”
“The ITF welcomes Mr Sinha’s commitment to railway safety and looked forward to the government and the AIRF working together to develop strategies and solutions. The AIRF and the ITF will work together on the issues arising out of new technologies.”
Mr Cotton is accompanied by Noel Coard, ITF head of inland transport, and ITF global youth co-ordinator Baker Khundakji. After participating in an AIRF youth conference on 16 November the three-strong team met with the national coordinating committee (NCC) of ITF Indian affiliates in Mumabai on 17 November. Mr Cotton addressed the meeting and discussed the issues and challenges that we all face. He also discussed the upcoming ITF congress next year and asked for the preparedness and participation of Indian affiliates. Representatives of Indian member unions updated the meeting on their successes and achievements also in context to young workers and women.
An important proposal moved by Baker Khundakji, which was accepted, was that now in every coordinating committee meeting of Indian affiliates there will be participation by youth and women members.
Abdulgani Serang, national secretary of the NCC, commented that women and youth are not only the future but the present and their involvement in the committee is critical to ensuring that the voice of all transport workers in India is raised effectively.
Cotton welcomes government commitments on Indian Railways #WeAreITF @airfindia
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