About Us – ICF Labour Union

ICF Labour Union, established in 1968, is one of the oldest and most respected continuously functioning trade unions in the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai. For over five decades, the union has remained committed to safeguarding the rights, safety, dignity, and welfare of ICF employees while working towards a fair and progressive workplace.

Since its formation, the union has been the collective voice of ICF employees and has consistently represented their interests before the ICF Administration through statutory and consultative bodies, including the Staff Council, Canteen Committee, Institute Committee, and other employee welfare committees, through democratically elected representatives.

A landmark chapter in the union’s history was its affiliation with the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) after a prolonged legal struggle led by Comrade M.K.S. Nambiar and Late Comrade P. Purushotamman, the then President and General Secretary of ICF Labour Union. The affiliation was achieved under the leadership of Comrade J.P. Chaubey, General Secretary, AIRF, and Comrade Umraomal Purohit, President, AIRF.

As an affiliated union of AIRF—the largest and oldest recognised federation of Indian Railways—ICF Labour Union actively represents ICF employees at the national level through forums such as the Permanent Negotiating Machinery (PNM), Departmental Council–JCM (DC/JCM), National Council–JCM (NC/JCM), Railway Board discussions, and successive Central Pay Commissions.

In 2008, the distinguished labour leader Comrade C.A. Raja Sridhar, Vice President of AIRF and President of SRMU, was unanimously elected as the President of ICF Labour Union. Comrade P. Mohandoss assumed office as the General Secretary. Under their dedicated leadership, the union has continued to fight tirelessly for the welfare of ICF employees, protection of jobs, better service conditions, and against indiscriminate outsourcing.

In 2010, ICF Labour Union affiliated with Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) at both the State and National levels. Founded in 1948, HMS is one of India’s largest central trade union organisations recognised by the Government of India. Guided by Comrade C.A. Raja Sridhar, National President, HMS, and Comrade Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, General Secretary, HMS, the union has further strengthened its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and promoting social justice.

Our Mission — ICF Labour Union stands firmly for:

• Protecting the rights and dignity of every ICF employee.

• Ensuring safe, healthy, and equitable working conditions.

• Promoting employee welfare and social security.

• Opposing unjust policies and indiscriminate outsourcing that affect workers’ interests.

• Representing employees effectively at every level—from ICF Administration to the Railway Board and national labour forums.

For more than 58 years, ICF Labour Union has stood united with the workforce, upholding the values of solidarity, justice, and dedicated service to the employees of Integral Coach Factory.