GDS Union Demands Fair Wages & Hours for Postal Staff – AIGDSU Challenges Outdated Rules

All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU)

Central Head Quarters, Padam Nagar, Delhi-110007

President: B. Venkateshwarlu

General Secretary: S. S. Mahadevaiah

Recipient:

The Director General, Department of Posts, Dak Bhavan, New Delhi 110001

Subject:Urgent Need for Upward Revision of Working Hours and Wages for GDS Appointed After 2018 – Reg.

Unchanged Working Hours & Wages Despite Increased Workload:

• Before 2018, many GDS posts required 5 hours of work, but post-Kamlesh Chandra Committee, new appointments were made for 4-hour posts without workload review.
• Same (or higher) workload persists, but employees are paid only for 4 hours.

Departmental Delays & Lack of Coordination:

• Proposals for upward revision are pending in Circles (e.g., Kerala, Karnataka).
• Issue stuck between Establishment Branch, Planning Section, and RB Section due to bureaucratic delays.

Outdated Workload Assessment Model:

• Kamlesh Chandra Committee recommended a revenue-based workload model, but the Department reverted to the old time-factor and point system, misaligned with modern postal operations.

Expanded Duties Without Fair Compensation:

• GDS now handle IPPB operations, PLI/RPLI, e-commerce deliveries, and digital services—far beyond traditional duties.
• Branch Post Offices (BOs) function like sub-offices, but pay and hours remain stagnant.
• In Independent Delivery Centres (IDCs), GDS perform duties equivalent to regular staff but without proportionate wages or hours.

Exploitation of Ageing Workforce:

• Many GDS employees work up to 65 years under outdated rules, facing financial and physical strain.
• Demands:
• Immediate workload review to justify upward revision to 5-hour posts where applicable.
• Practical mechanism to address cases where work exceeds 5 hours daily.
• Alignment of pay and hours with actual duties (e.g., IDCs, digital services).
• End bureaucratic delays and ensure coordination between departments.