News
Railway work environment found wanting for women
View(s):By Sajeniya Sathanandan
Railway trade unions fear that recruiting women as engine driver, superintendent, station master and supervisory manager without addressing underlying issues will lead to problems.
The concerns are related to inadequate washroom facilities, accommodation, leave and night duties. Unions insist that the railway is not suitable for women due to logistics and safety concerns.
President of the Station Masters’ Union Sumeda Somaratne said the union is not opposed to recruitment of women but noted that some stations lack even basic toilet facilities for men.
Mr Somaratne said for example in Palugaswewa a woman station master would have to operate alone with only one subordinate staffer during a night shift. If a signal failure occurs, the staffer might have to walk half a kilometre to the signal post which will become an issue for a woman.
He told the Sunday Times that after 2015, women were not recruited as the previous batch refused to be transferred to remote areas like Gal Oya, Polonnaruwa, and Batticaloa. This could happen again if the government does not take the issues seriously.
President of the Locomotive Operating Engineers Union K.A.U Konthasinghe said these issues could affect services in day time and at night.
Mr Konthasinghe told the Sunday Times that a recruit is trained for three years on many aspects. Supervisors and engineers will monitor the trainees. Before a trainee takes charge of the locomotive or power set engines they must receive a competency certificate. This is awarded after passing a test and after completing the theory and training on handling techniques.
He confirmed that the criteria will be the same for men and women. The criteria include a National High Diploma qualification and physical standards, such as a height of 5 feet 4 inches.
Unions are concerned with facilities for women, but the government has confirmed recruitment will proceed.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways M.M. Prasanna Kumara Gunasena told the Sunday Times: “I think that’s the best decision that we can take, so there’s nothing to worry about facilities.’’
He confirmed plans to improve facilities, while clarifying it is being done “not because of officers,” but because “it needs to be done”.
General Manager of Railways, Ravindra Padmapriya said the recruitment of women as locomotive drivers is pending. The Cabinet has approved and approval is also awaited from the Public Service Commission.
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