About US
The Voice of Railway Contract Workers
Our Promise: “Our Struggle, Your Success”
We are more than a union; we are a movement. We are the shield for the pantry boy, the voice for the base kitchen cook, and the strength for the tourism guide. We understand that the path to justice is long and often difficult, but as long as we stand united under the banner of IRCTCWF, we are invincible.
Who We Are
The Indian Railway Catering Tourism Contract Workers Federation (IRCTCWF) is the premier, independent representative body for the thousands of contract employees who power the catering and tourism sectors of the Indian Railways. Registered under the Indian Trade Union Act, 1926 (Regd. No: 02/Addl.RTU/CD/22)
Our Vision
Our vision is to transform the landscape of contract labor in India by institutionalizing worker rights, ensuring social security, and fostering a professional environment where "Contractual" no longer means "Insecure." We envision a future where every railway service worker is recognized as a vital stakeholder.
Our Mission
Our mission is rooted in the belief that justice for one is justice for all. We work tirelessly to eliminate the exploitation of contract labor, striving for a standardized wage structure, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a workplace culture defined by mutual respect.
What We DO
Our Core Pillars of Action
Our Promise: “Our Struggle, Your Success”
“Empowering the workforce by securing fair wages, legal protections, and dignified working conditions across the entire Indian Railway network.”
Legal & Statutory Protection
The Indian Railway Catering Tourism Contract Workers Federation (IRCTCWF) is the premier, independent representative body for the thousands of contract employees who power the catering and tourism sectors of the Indian Railways. Registered under the Indian Trade Union Act, 1926 (Regd. No: 02/Addl.RTU/CD/22)
Policy Advocacy & Administrative Liaison
We act as the primary interlocutor between contract staff and high-level authorities. We engage directly with the Railway Board, the Ministry of Railways, and IRCTC officials to influence policies that impact the lives of our members. Our advocacy covers everything from regulating 8-hour work shifts to establishing standardized safety protocols for onboard catering staff.
Social Security & Holistic Welfare
A worker's productivity is tied to their well-being and that of their family. Our welfare initiatives include: Medical Access: Advocating for the extension of Railway Hospital facilities to contract staff for on-duty injuries. Family Support: Pushing for the inclusion of workers' children in Railway-affiliated educational programs. Life Insurance: Negotiating for group insurance schemes to protect families against unforeseen tragedies during transit.
Grievance Redressal & Support
We provide a unified, fearless platform where individual complaints regarding workplace harassment, wage theft, or administrative victimization are addressed with collective strength. Our legal cell provides guidance and representation, ensuring that no worker has to stand alone against systemic unfairness.
Our Leaders
"Leading with Purpose, Standing for Justice."
Dr. M. Raghavaiah
General Secretary
Guman Singh
President
Somnath Malik
President at URMU
BC Sharma
Working President
The 15-Point Charter
Our Roadmap for Change
Our Roadmap to Worker Dignity and Professional Security
The Indian Railway Catering Tourism Contract Workers Federation (IRCTCWF) stands by this 15-point mandate. These are not just requests; they are the essential rights required to ensure a fair, safe, and productive environment for every contract worker in the Indian Railways.
Strict Minimum Wage Compliance: Guaranteed payment of government-mandated minimum wages across all zones, without unauthorized deductions by contractors.
EPF and ESI Regularization: Immediate and transparent deposit of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) contributions, with monthly digital proof provided to every worker.
Duty Pass & Travel Rights: Provision of official railway travel passes for contract staff to ensure safe and cost-free transit between their residence and place of duty.
Standardized 8-Hour Shifts: Elimination of exploitative long-duration shifts. We demand a regulated 8-hour workday with mandatory rest intervals.
Access to Railway Medical Facilities: Extension of Railway Hospital services to all contract workers for injuries or medical emergencies occurring during duty hours.
Quality Uniforms & Safety Gear: Provision of high-quality uniforms, winter wear, and safety equipment by the employer at no cost to the worker.
Dignified Rest Rooms: Access to clean, safe, and dedicated “Running Rooms” or rest areas at all major terminal stations for onboard and static staff.
Job Security & Continuity: Implementation of policies that prevent arbitrary termination and provide preference to existing experienced staff during contract renewals.
Subsidized On-Duty Meals: Access to hygienic and subsidized food for workers in railway canteens while performing their duties.
Weekly Offs & National Holidays: Enforcement of mandatory weekly rest days and paid leave for national holidays, ensuring mental and physical well-being.
Education Support for Children: Opening the doors of Railway Schools and vocational centers to the children of long-term contract employees.
Safe Environment for Women: Zero-tolerance protocols for harassment and the provision of safe, separate facilities for female staff in the catering and tourism sectors.
Death and Disability Compensation: Immediate financial assistance and insurance coverage for families in the event of workplace accidents or fatalities.
Skill Certification: Government-recognized certification of skills for hospitality and catering staff to help in professional career progression.
Institutional Representation: A permanent seat for IRCTCWF representatives in consultative committee meetings to ensure the “Worker’s Voice” is heard in policy-making.