As the President of IRCTCWF, Guman Singh provides the overarching vision and constitutional guidance for this federation. With decades of experience in labor advocacy and a profound understanding of the complex landscape of the Indian Railways, his leadership is defined by “Statesmanship and Solidarity.”
The Philosophy of “Dignity Through Unity”
Guman Singh believes that the true strength of a democracy is reflected in how it treats its most essential workers. His presidency is dedicated to ensuring that every catering and tourism contract worker is recognized not as a temporary resource, but as a vital stakeholder in the Nation’s progress. Under his leadership, IRCTCWF has become a beacon of hope, ensuring that the voice of the smallest worker reaches the highest offices of the Railway Board.
“Labor is not a commodity; it is the soul of our industry. When we protect the worker, we protect the future of the Indian Railways.” — Guman Singh
2. About the Federation: An Independent Force
The Indian Railway Catering Tourism Contract Workers Federation (IRCTCWF) is an independent, legally registered trade union (Regd. No: 02/Addl.RTU/CD/22). Under the presidency of Guman Singh, the federation maintains a strictly autonomous status, ensuring that our advocacy remains untainted by external political interests and focused solely on the welfare of our members.
Established on December 8, 2025, under the Indian Trade Union Act, 1926, we serve as the primary representative body for thousands of workers across India’s catering and tourism sectors.
3. The President’s Roadmap for Transformation
Guman Singh has outlined a comprehensive strategic roadmap for the federation, focusing on institutionalizing the rights of contract workers through three core pillars:
I. Constitutional Empowerment and Legal Awareness
President Guman Singh emphasizes that knowledge is power. A major part of his mission is to educate workers on their constitutional rights. By conducting legal literacy workshops and providing simplified access to labor laws, the federation ensures that workers can stand tall against exploitation, backed by the full weight of the law.
II. The “Dignity of Labor” Initiative
Under Guman Singh’s leadership, the federation is campaigning for a cultural shift in how contract workers are perceived. This includes:
- Professional Certification: Advocating for skill-based certification for catering staff to enhance their professional standing.
- Standardized Infrastructure: Ensuring that workers have access to basic human necessities, such as clean rest areas and drinking water, at all major railway terminals.
- Social Integration: Working to include contract workers’ families in railway-linked social schemes, such as education and healthcare.
III. Administrative Excellence and Dialogue
Guman Singh promotes a “Policy of Engagement.” He believes that while protest is a right, dialogue is the solution. Under his presidency, IRCTCWF has established a professional rapport with the Railway Administration, ensuring that the federation’s 15-point demands are discussed at the highest levels with data-driven evidence and logical advocacy.
4. The 15-Point Charter of Demands
Under the presidency of Guman Singh, IRCTCWF stands firmly by these non-negotiable demands to ensure a fair and equitable workplace:
- Comprehensive Social Security: Issuance of ID Cards, Labor Cards, Ayushman Cards, ESI, and EPF to every registered worker.
- Travel & Education Rights: Provision of railway passes for commuting and access to Railway Schools for children to ensure the next generation’s growth.
- Digital Wage Transparency: Mandatory bank transfer of wages with detailed salary slips to eliminate corruption and middleman interference.
- Minimum Wage Compliance: Strict adherence to government-prescribed wages, with periodic adjustments for inflation and the cost of living.
- The Right to Rest: Implementation of standardized 8-hour workdays and mandatory weekly rest days to prevent physical and mental burnout.
- Infrastructure Access: Dedicated, safe locker rooms and rest areas at terminal stations for the security of workers and their belongings.
- Legal Accountability: Holding contractors and vendors strictly liable for any breach of statutory labor standards.
- Uniform & Safety Gear: Provision of high-quality, professional-grade uniforms and safety equipment at zero cost to the worker.
- Gender Equality: Ensuring “Equal Pay for Equal Work” and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward the harassment of female staff.
- Emergency Medical Support: Guaranteed, immediate, and free access to Railway Hospitals for all on-duty injuries.
- Accident Rehabilitation: Fair financial compensation for disability and compassionate employment for family members in the event of a fatality.
- Universal Insurance: Comprehensive group insurance coverage for every registered member of the federation.
- Government Linkage: Streamlining the registration of workers with State Labor Departments to unlock central and state welfare schemes.
- Anti-Harassment Policy: Establishment of an independent grievance cell to handle cases of administrative victimization or bullying.
- Dignified Commute: Formal recognition of Federation/Worker IDs by RPF and GRP to ensure a hassle-free commute to duty points.
5. Organizational Identity
- Official Name: Indian Railway Catering Tourism Contract Workers Federation (IRCTCWF)
- President: Guman Singh
- Legal Status: Independent Registered Trade Union (Regd. No. 02/Addl.RTU/CD/22)
- Motto: “Our Struggle, Your Success”
