Railway employees' flash strike affects train services in Tamil Nadu

Railway employees' flash strike affects train services in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: At least two trains were delayed after railway employees went on a flash strike at Madurai Junction on Sunday night. They went on a flash strike after an employee, who had been booked in a theft case by the Railway Protection Force, allegedly committed suicide on Sunday. 

The strike, which affected hundreds of passengers, was called off at 9.30pm, two hours after it began. The employees called off the strike after talks with senior railway officials. 

As a result of the flash strike, the Madurai - Chennai Egmore Pandiayn Express train, scheduled to leave at 8.35pm, and Manamadurai - Chennai Egmore Silambu Express, scheduled to leave at 8pm, were stranded at Madurai Junction and Manamadurai Junction, respectively. Other trains passing through Madurai were likely be delayed. 

Southern Railway Mazdoor Union sources said Velladurai, a gang supervisor at Sivakasi, committed suicide by consuming poison after the RPF at Rajapalayam filed cases against him and another employee, Subiah, on charges of stealing iron pipes. While Subbiah was arrested, Velladurai was found dead at his quarters on Sunday. 

Senior railway officials said that in spite of requests by higher officials of Madurai Railway Division, the employee union went on a flash strike. "They could have come for talks to solve the issue. Such flash strikes is illegal because a notice has to be served to the labour department 15 days before of the strike," said a senior official. 

Source:TOI