RCF employees stage hunger strike in demand for Old Pension Scheme

The Rail Coach Factory Employees Union (RCFEU) organised a day-long hunger strike in Kapurthala on Friday, in support of the nationwide call from the Indian Railway Employees Federation (IREF), Front against NPS in Railways and NMOPS.

The protest attracted a large gathering of employees, who united to demand the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the immediate scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).

Union leaders emphasised that the OPS is not just a benefit but a guaranteed right that ensures security for employees and their families. The protest saw participation from various organisations, including the All India SC/ST Association, All India OBC Association, IRTSA and the Engineering Association, all showing solidarity.

In addition to the pension demands, RCFEU called for urgent recruitment to fill 1,700 vacant posts in the factory. The union pointed out that existing staff are overburdened and timely hiring is critical to maintaining production efficiency. They also highlighted the need for proper and timely supply of materials to meet the annual target of manufacturing 3,000 coaches.

Addressing the gathering, Organisation Secretary Bharat Raj stated that the movement was not limited to just one day of protest, but was a long-term struggle aimed at securing the future for generations to come. RCFEU General Secretary Sarvjeet Singh emphasised that the hunger strike marked a crucial step toward securing the OPS, stating that the movement had reached its final stage. He announced plans for a massive rally in Delhi on November 25, 2025, where lakhs of employees from across the country, including a large contingent from RCF, would gather to support the demand.

The demonstration was led by Talwinder Singh, and at the conclusion of the hunger strike, the union submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through RCF General Manager S.S. Mishra.