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

    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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