Railway Union Protests Outsourcing and Vacancies in Hubballi

Members of the South Western Railway Mazdoor Union staged a protest in front of Rail Soudha in Hubballi on October 14, 2026, to oppose the outsourcing and privatisation of core railway activities. The demonstration took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., following a procession that started from the union's main office. Railway employees and union members joined from the Hubballi, Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Workshop divisions.

Union Demands

The union raised objections against outsourcing work in the Electrical, Mechanical, Signal and Telecommunication, and Commercial departments. Workers demanded new posts for Station Masters, ticket-checking staff, and employees across the Traction Distribution, Carriage and Wagon, and electrical and diesel shed sections. They also asked for all vacant positions in South Western Railway to be filled and urged authorities to hold pending departmental competitive exams quickly for promotions. Additional demands included faster inter-railway transfers on spouse grounds, better rest rooms and running rooms, and the timely supply of protective gear like shoes, raincoats, water bottles, and torches.

Leadership Speeches

Union leaders, including general secretary K.V. Raghavendra and zonal president M. Nagendran, spoke to the protesters about severe staff shortages and delayed promotions. They asked the railway administration to fix these issues within a set time limit. A written list of all demands was later submitted to the General Manager of South Western Railway.

Context

Public sector unions in India frequently raise concerns over staff shortages and outsourcing as administrative policies shift toward contract-based hiring. Such protests serve as a formal platform for railway personnel to press management for career advancement and better working conditions.