The Hindu Business Line : SBI strike hits transportation of cash from railway stations

Some government employees received their March pay in cash instead of cheque. This was because of the strike by employees of State Bank of India, from April 3.

The Central Railways, for instance, paid part salaries in cash to about 550 employees in Mumbai. These are employees who have accounts with SBI and the money could not be credited to their accounts, said Mr C. Pitambaran, Senior Public Relations Officer, Central Railway.

"For class A, B and C employees we have paid advance of Rs 5,000 in cash and Rs 3,000 for class D employees, in Mumbai. In other divisions, the payday is later in the month. Though we have issued the same instructions, we are hopeful the strike would be called off by then," he said.

Another problem faced by the Railways was the transportation of cash from stations. Mr Pitambaran said that in 101 stations the cash collection earnings are usually directly remitted to SBI. In these stations, the Railways made arrangements for transporting the cash through travelling safes. "This is a difficult procedure as the cash has to be sealed into leather bags and then in the metal safes. But we have no other way out," he said.

Only a few cheque payments to be made to contractors or vendors have been delayed, in case the party is not in Mumbai, said Mr Pitambaran.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Railways | State Bank of India | Maharashtra

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