Staff Councils and Negotiating Machinery
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of creating Staff Councils in the Indian Railway establishment?

  • To exclusively represent gazetted staff matters.
  • To promote good relations and cooperation between administration and staff. (correct)
  • To manage disciplinary actions of all railway servants.
  • To solely address grievances of staff members.

Which of the following matters can Staff Councils NOT discuss?

  • Welfare activities for staff.
  • General working conditions.
  • Individual disciplinary actions. (correct)
  • Efficiency improvement suggestions.

What types of members are included in the composition of Staff Councils?

  • Members from external organizations.
  • Nominated members and ad-hoc members only.
  • Elected members, nominated members, and co-opted members. (correct)
  • Only elected members.

Which group of staff members should be adequately represented in Staff Councils?

<p>Class IV and workshop staff. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions of the councils besides discussing staff conditions?

<p>To advise on welfare activities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a matter raised at the Staff Council level involves broader policy issues, what should be done?

<p>Refer it for discussion at the Board level. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'non-gazetted staff' refer to in the context of Staff Councils?

<p>Staff not holding a formal rank or position. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should discussions within Staff Councils be oriented?

<p>On enhancing efficiency and improving railway operations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Secretary of the Council with respect to the Minutes Book?

<p>To ensure circulation of copies to members and staff Councils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must the President of the Council indicate regarding the resolutions passed?

<p>What actions should be taken on the resolutions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to outstanding items from previous meetings?

<p>They can either be dropped or pursued based on Council’s consideration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for drawing up subsidiary rules when required?

<p>The General Manager (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the permanent negotiating machinery?

<p>To maintain contact with labor and resolve disputes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At the Railway level, whom does the recognized union have access to?

<p>District or Divisional Officers and Headquarters officers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if disputes are not resolved at the Railway level?

<p>They are taken up by the Federations with the Railway Board (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tier is responsible for dealing with disputes at the broadest level?

<p>Railway Board level (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is stated about the resolutions that are not finally disposed of?

<p>They shall be mentioned as outstanding items (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the subsidiary rules?

<p>They must not conflict with rules established by the President or the Ministry (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the quarterly meetings between the Railway Board and the Federation?

<p>To settle matters raised at various levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an agreement is not reached between the Railway Board and the Federation on important matters?

<p>The issue is escalated to an ad-hoc Railway Tribunal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long must a matter settled by agreement not be raised again by the Federation?

<p>Two years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who comprises the ad-hoc Railway Tribunal?

<p>An equal number of representatives from both Railway labour and the Railway Administration with a neutral chairman (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the Government rejects or modifies a Tribunal's decision?

<p>The issue may be raised again after one year (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who will nominate the presidents that are gazetted railway servants?

<p>The General Manager or Chief Administrative officer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of employees is eligible for election to the staff councils?

<p>Non-gazetted staff excluding apprentices with more than three years of continuous service (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often are elections to the Staff Council held?

<p>Once in two or three years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum frequency for meetings of the staff councils?

<p>Once every two months (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the required quorum for council meetings?

<p>One-third of the total number of members (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a council member who does not attend three successive meetings without good reasons?

<p>They may be expelled by a council resolution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long before a meeting must draft resolutions be sent to the Secretary?

<p>At least ten days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long before the meeting must the agenda be circulated?

<p>At least seven days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a good and sufficient reason for absence from meetings?

<p>Illness or pressure of work (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are vacancies in the council filled during the tenure of a council?

<p>By bye-election or fresh nominations as necessary (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often should District or Divisional Officers meet with recognized Unions?

<p>At least once every two months (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who presides over the ad hoc Railway Tribunal?

<p>A neutral chairman (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What topics are excluded from discussions at the District or Divisional levels?

<p>Individual disciplinary matters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which level should the General Manager meet with Unions?

<p>At Railway Headquarters at least once a quarter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subjects will only be discussed between the Federation and the Railway Board?

<p>Pay scales and allowances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for branches before meetings with District or Divisional Officers?

<p>Members must submit a complete memoranda of proposed subjects in advance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of matters may unions have certain privileges in?

<p>Promotion, transfer, and disciplinary matters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should subjects to be discussed at meetings be determined?

<p>In agreement between the General Manager and the Union (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum frequency for meetings of the Tribunal when important matters arise?

<p>As needed based on the importance of the matter (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus of discussions within the Staff Councils?

<p>Improving efficiency related to railway operations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situations are individual disciplinary actions discussed within the Staff Councils?

<p>They are not discussed at all (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of elected members in the Staff Councils?

<p>To represent various categories of non-gazetted staff (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when matters raised at the council exceed the officers' scope?

<p>Relevant matters are escalated to higher authority for policy discussion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the composition of Staff Councils?

<p>Elected, nominated, and co-opted members from various levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of committee function do the councils also serve besides addressing staff concerns?

<p>Welfare committee for staff (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regarding the nomination of presidents in Staff Councils, who typically assumes this role?

<p>General Managers or Chief Administrative Officers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the status of discussions in the Staff Councils concerning grievances?

<p>They should incorporate discussions on enhancing overall operations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What actions may the Government take regarding the decisions made by the ad-hoc Railway Tribunal?

<p>Modify or reject the decision as deemed necessary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if an agreement is not reached by the Railway Board and the Federation at the conclusion of discussions?

<p>An ad-hoc Railway Tribunal may be convened for further discussion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if the Federation wishes to raise a matter settled by agreement before two years have elapsed?

<p>Raising the issue will not be allowed for two years. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who constitutes the ad-hoc Railway Tribunal designed to resolve disputes?

<p>An equal number of representatives from Railway labour and the Railway Administration along with a neutral Chairman. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the Railway Board and Federation after matters have been discussed?

<p>Minutes of discussion indicating decisions must be shared with concerned unions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to co-opt members into the Staff Council?

<p>General Manager or Chief Administrative officer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum time frame for circulating the agenda before a Staff Council meeting?

<p>Seven days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category of railway servants is specifically excluded from voting in Staff Council elections?

<p>Apprentices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a reason deemed as good and sufficient for absence from Council meetings?

<p>Being unwell or work pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How frequently should the election to the Staff Council be conducted?

<p>Once every two or three years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence for a member absenting themselves from three successive meetings without a valid reason?

<p>They may be expelled from the Council (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the required quorum for a meeting of the Council?

<p>One-third of the total members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who can submit draft resolutions for inclusion in the meeting agenda?

<p>Members of the Council (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are vacancies in the Staff Council filled during its term?

<p>Bye-elections or fresh nominations as needed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time interval allowable between meetings of the Staff Council?

<p>Two months (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the neutral chairman in the Railway Tribunal?

<p>The neutral chairman presides over the tribunal and facilitates discussions between parties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the union branches prior to meetings with District or Divisional Officers?

<p>Provision of subjects to raise at the meeting along with complete memoranda in sufficient time before the meeting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regular meetings between the General Manager or Assistant/Deputy General Manager and the unions occur at what frequency?

<p>At least once a quarter. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which topic is excluded from discussions at district or divisional levels of meetings?

<p>Promotion criteria for individual staff members. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Meeting frequency for District or Divisional Officers with recognized unions is optimized to a minimum of what duration?

<p>At least once every two months. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of topics can be included in discussions at the Railway Headquarters with unions?

<p>Matters affecting the general welfare of all railway staff. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which instance would unions not ordinarily have their privileges curtailed?

<p>In cases where longstanding agreements exist regarding specific issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for subjects discussed at district or divisional meetings?

<p>Topics must be decided only by the District Officers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of discussions is explicitly limited to the Federation and the Railway Board?

<p>Negotiations regarding pay scales and allowances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action must the President of the Council indicate regarding resolutions that require follow-up?

<p>The President shall indicate what action is required on passed resolutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mentioning outstanding items in the Council's records?

<p>To consider dropping issues or deciding on further action. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tier of the negotiating machinery deals with disputes at the most localized level?

<p>The Railway level, where the recognized union can directly access local officers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the General Manager have in drawing up subsidiary rules?

<p>The General Manager may create rules not conflicting with existing ones. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to resolutions that are not finally disposed of in Council meetings?

<p>They will be cited as outstanding items for future consideration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the function of the permanent negotiating machinery?

<p>To maintain continuous contact and resolve disputes effectively. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If disputes are not resolved at the Railway level, what tier addresses these issues next?

<p>The Railway Board level, managed by Federations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must the Secretary of the Council do with decisions received after the last meeting?

<p>Present them at the next meeting for discussion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if no agreement is reached at the Railway Board level regarding important matters?

<p>The Federation may raise it again after a prescribed time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT considered when deciding on secondary regulations drawn by the General Manager?

<p>The advice of local unions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Purpose of Staff Councils

To foster good relations, cooperation, and efficiency between railway administration and non-gazetted staff by enabling the staff to discuss service conditions, improve efficiency, and advise on welfare activities – not just for grievance airing.

Staff Council Limitations

Staff councils cannot discuss disciplinary actions, transfers, or individual staff matters without general principles, or matters exceeding the council's staff's purview.

Staff Council Composition

Staff councils include elected, nominated, and appointed members representing various non-gazetted staff categories, and potentially co-opted members.

Elected Council Members

Represent various non-gazetted staff categories, such as Class IV and workshop staff.

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Nominated Council Members

May be from the gazetted staff, but does not have to be.

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Policy Discussions

Matters raised at the staff council level, if beyond the scope of council officers, should be referred to higher management levels or the Board.

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Staff Council Matters

Focuses on the staff for which the council is responsible. Decisions directly impact that staff segment.

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Railway Staff

Non-gazetted staff working within the Railway System.

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Staff Council Election Eligibility

Non-gazetted railway staff with more than 3 years of continuous service, excluding apprentices, are eligible to run for Staff Council.

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Staff Council Election Frequency

Staff Council elections happen once every two to three years, using a ballot system.

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Staff Council Voting Rights

All non-gazetted railway staff, excluding apprentices, have the right to vote for a Staff Council member in their category.

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Staff Council Meeting Frequency

Staff Council meetings can be held between every two months up to four months apart, not more often.

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Meeting Agenda Preparation

Proposed resolutions must reach the secretary at least ten days before the meeting; the agenda is circulated seven days prior.

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Staff Council Meeting Notice

Members of the council should be informed about the meeting date at least fifteen days in advance.

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Council Quorum

One-third of the total council members must be present for a meeting to be valid.

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Member Absence Expulsion

Absence from three successive meetings without a valid reason may lead to expulsion by a council resolution.

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Filling Council Vacancies

Vacancies that arise during the council's term are filled through by-elections or fresh nominations.

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Council Membership Nomination

Members of the staff council are nominated by the General Manager/Chief Administrative officer, or other designated officer.

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Staff Council Minutes

A written record of resolutions passed by the Staff Council, including decisions made and actions to be taken.

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Staff Council Resolution Action

The President of the Council determines what action is needed on the resolutions passed by the Council.

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Staff Council Decisions and Outstanding Items

The Secretary presents decisions from departmental officers and identifies resolutions not yet completed.

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Staff Council Subsidiary Rules

The General Manager can create rules for specific details, but these rules can't contradict those set by the President or the Ministry of Railways.

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Permanent Negotiating Machinery

This machinery helps resolve disputes between railway labor and administration.

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Railway Level Dispute Resolution

Recognized unions can discuss issues with district or division officers, and then higher-level officers, including the General Manager.

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Railway Board Level Dispute Resolution

If issues are unsolved at the Railway level, Federations take them to the Railway Board.

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Three Tiers of Dispute Resolution

Disputes are addressed through a three-tier process: Railway level, Railway Board level, and potentially further escalation.

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What does "Negotiating Machinery" mean?

A systematic approach of resolving disagreements between the Railway Administration and Railway Labor.

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Why are there three tiers for dispute resolution?

The three tiers allow for issues to be addressed at the most appropriate level, gradually escalating if solutions are not found.

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What type of agreement can the Railway Board and the Federation make?

They can reach an agreement on matters raised at the district, divisional, or railway levels, resolving issues through negotiations.

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What happens if negotiations between the Railway Board and the Federation fail?

The matter can be referred to a neutral Railway Tribunal, which consists of equal representatives from both sides and a neutral chairman.

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What is the role of the Railway Tribunal?

To investigate the dispute thoroughly, consider both viewpoints, and issue a decision based on their findings.

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What happens to the Tribunal's decision?

The Government can either accept, reject, or modify the Tribunal's decision.

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Can the Federation raise the same issue again?

If the Government accepts the Tribunal's decision, the Federation cannot raise the same issue for two years. If the Government rejects or modifies it, they can raise it again after one year.

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Railway Tribunal

A group of representatives from both the Railway Administration and labor, led by a neutral chairman. They are formed to address matters where agreement between the Federation and the Railway Board cannot be reached.

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Tribunal Level

The highest level of discussion for disagreements between the Federation and the Railway Board, involving a Railway Tribunal to reach a resolution.

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District/Divisional Meetings

Regular meetings between district/divisional officers and recognized unions' branches at least once every two months.

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Workshop Meetings

Workshops are treated as districts for meeting purposes, allowing unions to engage with officers on local issues.

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Railway Headquarters Meetings

Meetings between the General Manager or Assistant/Deputy General Managers and unions at least once every quarter.

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Individual Matters Exclusion

Disciplinary matters, promotions, transfers, etc., of individual staff members are generally excluded from discussions.

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Union Privilege Exception

If unions have specific privileges in certain matters, these privileges are usually preserved, even with the general exclusion of individual issues.

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Scope of Discussions

At the district/divisional and railway levels, discussions cover matters within the officers' authority.

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Pay Scale Discussions

Discussions concerning pay scales, allowances, etc. are reserved for the Federation and the Railway Board, excluding lower level discussions.

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Federation-Board Interaction

The Federation (representing unions) and the Railway Board are the primary bodies discussing pay scales, allowances, etc.

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Staff Councils' Role

Staff Councils aim to improve relationships between railway administration and non-gazetted staff by providing a forum for discussing service conditions, improving efficiency, and advising on welfare activities.

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What Staff Councils Can't Discuss?

Staff Councils are not allowed to talk about disciplinary actions, transfers, or other individual staff matters that don't involve a general principle.

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Elected Members of Staff Councils

These members represent various non-gazetted staff categories and are chosen through elections.

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Nominated Members of Staff Councils

These members can be either gazetted or non-gazetted staff and are appointed to the council.

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Railway Tribunal's Role

A group of representatives from both the Railway Administration and Labor led by a neutral chairman. They investigate disputes and issue decisions based on their findings.

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Government's Role in Tribunal Decisions

The Government can accept, reject, or modify the decisions made by the Railway Tribunal.

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Who nominates Staff Council Presidents?

Presidents of Staff Councils are nominated by the General Manager or Chief Administrative Officer of the railway.

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What is the minimum service required for election?

Non-gazetted railway employees must have at least three years of continuous service to be eligible for election to the Staff Council.

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How often are Staff Council elections held?

Elections for the Staff Council happen every two to three years.

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Who can vote for a Staff Council member?

All non-gazetted railway servants, excluding apprentices, have the right to vote in Staff Council elections.

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What's the quorum for Staff Council meetings?

One-third of the total number of Council members must be present for a meeting to be considered valid.

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What happens if a member misses too many meetings?

If a member misses three consecutive Staff Council meetings without valid reasons, they can be expelled from the council.

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How are vacancies filled in the Staff Council?

Vacancies in the Staff Council are filled either through by-elections or fresh nominations.

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What's the purpose of Staff Council meetings?

Staff Councils meet to discuss service conditions, improve efficiency, and advise on welfare activities.

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What are some topics addressed at Staff Council meetings?

Topics like service conditions, efficiency improvements, and welfare activities are discussed at Staff Council meetings.

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Can individual staff matters be debated?

Individual staff matters, like disciplinary actions or transfers, are generally not discussed at the Staff Council level.

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Subsidiary Rules

The General Manager can create detailed rules, but these rules can't conflict with the rules set by the President or the Ministry of Railways.

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Negotiating Machinery

A process established to resolve disputes between railway labor and administration, ensuring a structured and fair approach to addressing issues.

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Tribunal Decision

The resolution reached by the Railway Tribunal, which the Government can then accept, reject, or modify based on their evaluation.

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Dispute Resolution Levels

Disputes follow a structured escalation process: first at the district/divisional level, then at the railway level, and finally, if needed, to the Railway Tribunal.

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Federation-Board Agreement

When the Railway Board and the Federation (representing unions) reach an agreement on any matter, it prevents the Federation from raising the same issue again for two years.

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Study Notes

Staff Councils and Negotiating Machinery

  • Purpose: Maintain good relations and cooperation between administration and non-gazetted staff. Facilitate staff concerns, improve efficiency, and provide welfare advice.

  • Scope Restrictions: Disciplinary actions, transfers, and matters of general policy are not discussed. Staff councils address staff-related issues within the relevant department.

  • Composition: Councils consist of elected, nominated, and co-opted members. Elected members represent different non-gazetted staff categories. Nominated members are gazetted or non-gazetted staff appointed by higher officials. Presidents are gazetted railway employees appointed by General Managers or Chief Administrative officers.

  • Eligibility for Election: Non-gazetted staff with more than 3 years' service are eligible to be elected to council.

  • Election Procedure: Held every 2-3 years by ballot. Each non-gazetted staff member votes for council members in their category.

  • Meetings: Occur at least once every 2-4 months.

  • Agenda: Prepared 10 days before the meeting and circulated at least 7 days before the meeting.

  • Quorum: One-third of the total members.

  • Member Absence: Absence for three consecutive meetings without valid reasons can result in expulsion from the council. Valid reasons including leave, illness, or unavoidable work commitments.

Negotiating Machinery

  • Purpose: Resolve disputes and differences between railway labor and administration.

  • Tiers: Three levels of negotiation:

    • Railway Level: Union representatives interact with district/divisional officers and higher headquarters.
    • Railway Board Level: Federations engage with the Railway Board if the railway level fails.
    • Tribunal Level: An ad-hoc tribunal consisting of representatives from administration and labor, chaired by a neutral person, handles disputes not resolved at the previous levels.

  • Procedure: District/divisional officers meet union representatives. Railway headquarters (General Manager's office) meets representatives quarterly.

  • Exclusions: Disciplinary actions, promotions, and transfers (except where Unions have privileges); pay scales and allowances are discussed only at the Railway Board level. Quarterly meetings between Railway Board and Federation at the center level.

  • Dispute Resolution: Disputes are handled progressively. Disputes not settled at the Railway level go to the Railway Board. If unresolved, the issue can be referred to the tribunal.

  • Tribunal Decision: Government reviews and potentially modifies tribunal decisions.

  • Time Limits/Restrictions: Government has rights to modify or reject decisions

  • Dispute Reopening: Issues resolved by agreement or by government acceptance of the tribunal decision cannot be reopened for two years. In cases of rejection or modification by the Government, the issue can be raised after a year.

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Related Documents

Indian Railway Establishment Manual (Vol II) PDF

Description

This quiz explores the structure and function of staff councils aimed at enhancing relations between administration and non-gazetted staff. Understand the eligibility criteria, election procedures, and the limitations on the topics discussed within the councils. Test your knowledge on how these councils contribute to staff welfare and efficiency.

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