Railway employees protest outsourcing, seek filling of vacancies in South Western Railway
Members of South Western Railway Mazdoor Union (SWRMU) staged a protest in Hubballi on October 14, opposing outsourcing and privatisation of core railway activities
On October 14, 2026, railway employees belonging to the South Western Railway Mazdoor Union (SWRMU) staged a protest outside Rail Soudha in Hubballi. Their primary concerns included outsourcing and privatization of crucial railway operations, along with a plea to address numerous pending employee grievances. The demonstration commenced at 11 a.m. and concluded at 2 p.m., with a preceding procession from the union's main office.
Approximately 50 railway workers from the Hubballi, Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Workshop divisions took part in the protest. The SWRMU opposed the outsourcing of duties within the Electrical, Mechanical, Signal and Telecommunication, and Commercial departments. They also demanded the establishment of additional positions for Station Masters, ticket-checking personnel, and employees in various sections, including Traction Distribution, Signal and Telecommunication, Carriage and Wagon, and electrical and diesel shed departments.
The union's primary objective was to fill vacant positions across all departments of the South Western Railway. They also sought the expeditious resolution of pending General Departmental Competitive Examinations and Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations to facilitate promotions and career advancements. Additional demands encompassed expediting inter-railway transfers, particularly based on spouse relationships; enhancing facilities and upkeep in running rooms and ticket-checking staff restrooms; and ensuring timely provision of quality protective equipment, such as shoes, raincoats, water bottles, and torches, to eligible staff members.
Union leaders K.V. Raghavendra, zonal president M. Nagendran, and other representatives addressed the protesters, emphasizing the shortage of staff, delays in departmental examinations and promotions, and unresolved service-related issues. They implored the railway administration to respond promptly to their demands. The protesters subsequently submitted a memorandum detailing their grievances to the South Western Railway General Manager.
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