Protesting for Pay Hike, Delhi Metro Staffers Threaten to Derail Operations on Monday

New Delhi: A section of the non-executive staff of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Saturday threatened to go on strike from Monday, warning a complete shutdown of services if their demands were not met.

Delhi Metro serves at least 30 lakh commuters a day and shutdown could bring the city to a halt.

The staffers are demanding a hike in pay scales as well as rollback of disciplinary action against some individuals. The agitating staff also includes train operators. DMRC has met the Delhi Metro staff council members who are leading the agitation in order to placate the protesting staffers.

DMRC released a statement laying out their stand on the demands of the employees alleging foul play and citing inappropriate time to heed to their demands

On the issue of upgradation of pay scales an grant of Schedule A CPSE pay scales, DMRC said that the time was not opportune for revision of pay scales.

"The first [demand] pertains to upgradation of pay scales and grant of Schedule ’A’ CPSE pay scales. In the face of the fact that the recommendations of the 3rd Pay Commission have been accepted by the Government and orders are to be issued any time, it is not an opportune moment to press for their demand for revision of pay scales at this juncture. All pay related issues shall be dealt shortly after issue of orders by the Government,” it said.

Another issue raised by the employees, according to the DMRC statement, was alleged acts of misconduct. DMRC alleged some of the individuals were misleading employees and pushing their personal agenda to cause disruption.

"The second demand pertains to action initiated by the Management against some of the Staff Council Members and employees on account of grave acts of misconduct/indiscipline and acts of omission and commission in violation of DMRC Conduct Rules. The issues are purely incidental to the individuals and the attempt on their part to push for their personal agenda, and invoke others to cause disruption is uncalled for," it said.

"The employees have been misled by these individuals and an Appeal has been issued, for all employees to stay calm and we hope that employees are not misguided by such elements. Staff council members are also called for discussion on these issues," DMRC added.

Meanwhile, DMRC has given an assurance that its "management is taking all due care to run Metro services," adding that the public will not face any inconvenience.