Remuneration cap for assistant train drivers removed

The government has withdrawn the ceiling on the special remuneration the newly recruited assistant locomasters (assistant train drivers) get for their extra works.

The finance ministry issued a circular in this regard on Wednesday, hours after the protesting railway workers called off their indefinite strike following the authorities' assurance.

It was one of the major demands of the railway workers.

Railways Ministry Secretary Fahimul Islam confirmed the development to the media.

Currently, the assistant locomasters get 100 percent "running allowance" (a special allowance for their additional work) but "running allowance" would not exceed their monthly basic salary.

After the today's finance ministry circular, the ceiling that the running allowance would not exceed the monthly basic salary would be removed, the secretary said.

So, they will get paid as much as they will do additional works, he said.

Train drivers and their support staff observed the nationwide work abstention from early yesterday for special allowance after retirement and other demands.