NC-JCM & AIRF Update: Strike Notice & Charter of Demands. Status: Ultimatum Issued to Finance Ministry. Agitation Date: February 12, 2026.
Tensions between the Central Government and employee unions have escalated following the absence of the 8th Pay Commission announcement in the Union Budget. The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) and the National Council (JCM-Staff Side) have formally flagged the exclusion of “Pension Revision” from the proposed Terms of Reference (ToR). This guide details the 4 core demands triggering the nationwide agitation.
Note: The unions have demanded a Corrigendum to the ToR. If not issued, the indefinite strike protocol may be activated post-February 12.
1. Charter of Demands (Why Unions Are Striking)
The Staff Side has rejected the government’s current stance on the Fitment Factor and Pension revision. The formal ultimatum includes the following non-negotiable demands.
| Demand Category | Union Expectation / Formula |
|---|---|
| Pension Revision | Must be included in 8th CPC ToR. (Currently separated). |
| Interim Relief | 20% of Basic Pay as immediate relief due to inflation. |
| DA Merger | Merger of 50% DA with Basic Pay (Effective 01.01.2024). |
| Fitment Factor | Minimum 3.68x (Based on Aykroyd Formula). |
Fitment Reality: The unions have explicitly rejected the 7th CPC fitment of 2.57. For a detailed calculation of the demand, check the 8th Pay Commission Fitment Factor 3.68 vs 1.96 Formula analysis.
2. The “Pension Exclusion” Controversy
In a letter addressed to the Cabinet Secretary, the AIRF stated that excluding 68 lakh pensioners from the purview of the 8th Pay Commission is a “breach of trust.”
Technical Objection
Historically, every Pay Commission since the 4th CPC has mandatorily reviewed the pension structure. The Ministry’s proposal to separate wage revision from pension revision (to be handled by a different committee) is viewed as a tactic to delay pension hikes by 2-3 years.
- Govt Stance: Separate committees for Wages and Pensions to reduce immediate fiscal burden.
- Union Stance: “One Nation, One Commission.” Pension revision must occur simultaneously with wage revision.
3. Agitation Schedule (Phase-Wise)
Following the “Black Badge” protests in January, the agitation has moved to the final phase.
- Phase 1 (Completed): Lunch-hour demonstrations at Zonal Offices.
- Phase 2 (Completed): Mass Dharna at Jantar Mantar (Jan 27).
- Phase 3 (Active): Nationwide Strike on Feb 12, 2026.
- Next Step: Indefinite Strike Notice (if demands remain unmet).
4. Official Warning to Employees
While unions organize the strike, employees must be aware of the administrative consequences under CCS (Conduct) Rules.
Dies Non Rule: As per DoPT instructions, participation in an illegal strike results in “Dies Non” (No Work, No Pay) and a break in service. This impacts pensionable service length and increment dates.
What is Interim Relief in 8th Pay Commission?
Interim Relief (IR) is a temporary salary hike granted before the final Pay Commission report is implemented. Unions are demanding 20% of the current Basic Pay as IR to compensate for the delay in the commission’s setup.
Why is Pension Revision excluded from ToR?
The government aims to rationalize pension expenditure. By excluding it from the Pay Commission’s Terms of Reference (ToR), the government can technically delay pension hikes or decouple them from active wage revisions.
हिंदी सारांश: रेलवे यूनियन हड़ताल नोटिस
AIRF और JCM ने 8वें वेतन आयोग की शर्तों (Terms of Reference) में ‘पेंशन संशोधन’ को शामिल न करने के विरोध में हड़ताल का नोटिस दिया है। उनकी मुख्य मांगे हैं: 3.68 फिटमेंट फैक्टर, 50% DA का बेसिक पे में विलय, और 20% अंतरिम राहत (Interim Relief)। 12 फरवरी 2026 को देशव्यापी हड़ताल प्रस्तावित है। सरकार ने ‘Dies Non’ (वेतन कटौती) की चेतावनी दी है।
