Thu Oct 03 16:37:57 UTC 2024: ## Railway Workers Demand Fairer Bonus Calculation Ahead of Dussehra
**New Delhi:** The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) and the Indian Railways Employee Federation (IREF) have joined forces to demand a fairer calculation for the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for railway employees. They argue that the current system, which uses a notional salary of just Rs 7,000 per month, fails to accurately reflect the actual earnings of railway workers.
The unions pointed out that the minimum basic monthly salary in the railways is currently Rs 18,000, a figure established under the 7th Pay Commission. This discrepancy has resulted in a 78-day bonus of Rs 17,951, which is lower than the minimum salary. They insist that the PLB should be calculated based on the actual minimum salary, which would result in a bonus of Rs 46,159.
The AIRF General Secretary, Shiva Gopal Mishra, and the IREF National General Secretary, Sarvjeet Singh, emphasized that railway employees perform crucial and demanding duties, often in remote areas with limited resources. Despite their dedication and contributions, the government’s continued use of the notional salary for bonus calculations has been a source of frustration.
The unions’ call for a fairer bonus system comes after recent record-breaking freight loading by Indian Railways, a feat achieved through the tireless efforts of railway staff.
With Dussehra holidays approaching, railway workers hope to secure a more equitable bonus calculation that truly reflects their hard work and dedication.
First Piper 