Natore’s temporary railway staff on strike demanding job regularisation

Temporary employees and workers of Natore Railway Station are observing a strike to press home their six-point demand including payment of arrears and regularisation of their jobs.

Passenger services are being disrupted since this morning (October 16, 2022) following the strike, reports our local correspondent.

Most of the third-and fourth-class employees at the Natore railway station are recruited contractually, according to sources.

Titumir Express train reached at Natore station at 8am.  But since the workers stopped giving signal, the train was stuck at the station for about two hours.

The ticket counters at the station were also closed.

Asked, Assistant Station Master Kamrunnahar told The Daily Star, "We are trying to continue the services through a third-class employee who has been permanently employed. Passengers are suffering due to the strike which disrupted the services."

Pakshey Divisional Manager Aminul Islam said services at four stations under its zone - Natore, Madhnagar, Raninagar and Atrai -- have been disrupted. The rest are normal, said.

Railway authorities have to call those who were enjoying day-off activities to run the services today. However, it is not possible to say how long it will be possible to run like this. If the strike continues, the situation may get worse, he said.