To quell strike, BMRCL calls meet with staff today but keeps union out

After warning of invoking  ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act)  and appealing against a strike proposed by its employees, the BMRCL has now called a meeting with its staff to discuss the issues raised by them over the past few days.

A source  in the BMRCL, however, clarified that the meeting scheduled for Wednesday would be held with the staff, not the union. "Our stand against the union is clear. We can't recognise an association which has people from outside," the source said.

A senior official said the management was ready to discuss any "reasonable" demands made by the employees. "Two staffers from each department will attend the meeting. We hope to settle all the issues and end the protest immediately," the official added.

Employees were not happy with the management's decision to not talk to the union. "The two staffers who will represent their respective departments are selected by senior officials, who are part of the management. We don't know what to expect from this meeting,"  said a staffer, who is the member of  the union.

Badges banned

The BMRCL has also sent out a memorandum to its employees banning the display of black badges they have been wearing since last week. "We have been told to remove badges or face disciplinary action. The badge is part of a peaceful protest. We wear it and do our work with the same commitment. The only thing they can achieve by banning badges is to ensure our dissent is not visible to commuters," an employee said.