Delhi’s metro service, which is often referred to as its ‘Life Line’, can be stalled in the next 24 hours. The reason behind this is that 9000 non-executive employees of Delhi Metro have announced an indefinite hunger strike since June 29. If the staff’s hunger commences, then the Delhi Metro service is in danger of being stalled. Millions of passengers may have to face this huge problem. This will not only increase the hassle of the Metro, but its impact can also be seen on the road with overpacked buses.
Earlier, in July 2017, such a situation had arisen, when its non-executive staff had announced the strike on similar demands. However, after the DMRC Management and Staff Council intervened at the last moment, the issue was postponed. About a year later, such a situation is looming again. Now, for the demands, the employees have decided to go on indefinite hunger strike from June 29 and on indefinite service strike from June 30. Strikers say that Delhi Metro management will be responsible for any incidents and inconvenience caused to the passengers during the protest.
DMRC’s non-executive staff has been continuously wearing black arm bands on different metro stations for several days as mark of protest. These include Train Operators, Station Controller, Technician, Operation Staff, Maintenance Staff etc. It is being told that in a memorandum of 10 point demands, metro workers have accused the controversy over the last year’s agreement on metro management, as well as management and non-executive employees with discrimination and exploitation over the pay scale.