Mumbai train drivers end strike

The striking train drivers have withdrawn their stir after Maharashtra Home Minister's intervention. Situation will improve in a couple of hours. About 70 drivers from Central Railways have already joined work. Helpline No : 022-10721Are you affected? Click here to share your story

The striking train drivers have withdrawn their stir after the intervention of Maharashtra Home Minister. About 70 drivers from Central Railways have already joined work.

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Railway has promised to look into their demands by June 15.

Earlier, CM Ashok Chavan ruled out immediate invocation of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against striking motormen in Mumbai saying that efforts were on to persuade the agitators to call off their stir.

"The Centre has given us a go-ahead for invoking provisions of ESMA, but we are holding discussions with the
railway unions and hoping for a positive outcome," Chavan told reporters after reviewing the situation arising out of the strike.

"The decision to invoke ESMA will be taken, if necessary by this evening, by Home Minister R R Patil," he said.

Chavan said 20 per cent motormen have turned up for work on Central Railway, while Western line was completely shut down.

The Chief Minister said 18 per cent of the state government employees have reported for work today and added
that motormen who are willing to resume work will be provided security.

Chavan had yesterday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought the Centre's intervention to end the strike, the
sources said. The Chief Minister had also spoken to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and requested her to take stringent action against the striking motormen, they said.

"The salary and allowance hike demand by motormen is unlawful because they are getting salary as per the sixth pay
commission" recommendations, they said. (With PTI, IANS inputs)

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