At JSC Russian Railways, women make up approximately 30% of the total workforce. Most women are employed in the following professions: station duty officers - 25,000 people; accountants - 11,000 people; and freight and luggage receptionists - 10,000 people.
On January 1, 2021, Order No. 512n of the Ministry of Labor of Russia dated July 18, 2019, "On Approval of the List of Industries, Jobs, and Positions with Harmful and (or) Dangerous Working Conditions where the Employment of Women is Restricted" (hereinafter referred to as the Order) came into force. This Order removes restrictions on the employment of women in many sectors of the economy, including the railway transport sector.
JSC Russian Railways, in collaboration with scientific organizations and the Russian Union of Railway Workers and Transport Builders, developed Section XX, "Railway Transport," of the appendix to the Order. This section includes only those types of work characteristic of railway transport that may have a negative impact on women's reproductive health: physical workload, chemical factors, and general vibration. In the absence of exceedances of the maximum permissible levels for these factors, women can perform these tasks on an equal basis with men.
Section XX. Railway Transport
Thanks to this approach, the list of professions available for women at JSC Russian Railways has been expanded. It is now possible for women to be employed in locomotive crews, as wagon inspectors/repairers, rolling stock repair technicians, and others.
This opportunity has been implemented for women who wish to perform these jobs at workplaces equipped with the necessary sanitary and welfare facilities.
Special attention should be paid to the opportunity to operate rolling stock. The question of employing women as assistant drivers and drivers was raised more than 10 years ago but was only resolved in 2021. For some women, the dream of working in this challenging but interesting field has come true.
Looking back at history, we know of many women who worked in locomotive crews on steam engines during the Great Patriotic War and the post-war years. Therefore, there is a continuity of generations on the railway.
Currently, 128 women have been trained and employed by the company as "drivers" and "assistant drivers": 59 on electric trains, 61 on locomotives, and 8 on "Lastochka" high-speed electric trains. Seven women are working as electric train drivers.
In addition to professional development, the company pays great attention to women's working conditions. A new Regulation on the Arrangement and Maintenance of Rest Houses and Rooms for Locomotive Crews has been approved, which includes requirements for the rest conditions of women working as drivers or assistant drivers.
Based on suggestions from women, standard tool kits for locomotives have been developed, including modern tools with polymer handles. To reduce the physical workload for women, lightweight brake shoes are being introduced.
To implement additional support measures for female assistant drivers, individual work schedules have been created, and psychological selection for drivers has been conducted.
As part of the comprehensive measures to ensure safe working conditions, great attention is paid to the timely provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees.
In compliance with the instructions of the Director General – Chairman of the Board of JSC Russian Railways, Oleg Belozyorov, monitoring of satisfaction and the quality of supplied workwear and safety footwear was conducted.
Based on the monitoring results, the Technical Specifications for workwear and safety footwear owned by JSC Russian Railways have been completely revised.
The company is implementing measures to improve uniforms: the women's uniform set has been supplemented with a second pair of trousers and a new vest. Uniform sets for locomotive crews have also been standardized, and various configuration options have been provided.
As part of the new collection for women, Technical Specifications for "SIGNAL - RZD" high-visibility clothing have been developed and approved, including 12 types of winter special clothing and 4 types of summer workwear for women in high-volume professions.
To increase the comfort of women working in the company, emotional relief rooms are being created. In these rooms, employees can relax and take a short break.
Psychologists are involved in recovery activities, using various methods and technologies to correct the functional and emotional state of female employees. Psychologists help find answers to typical questions arising during the adaptation of women to new conditions, increase stress resistance, and teach emotional regulation skills. Correction methods are tailored individually for each woman based on her request and personal characteristics.
To support the development of women and improve their working conditions, the company has approved a Plan for the period 2021 – 2025. The plan establishes new benefits and guarantees, as well as activities to increase women's interest in working for the company:
In addition, a whole range of cultural and mass events to support women and families is being held across the railway network.
A handbook for female employees of JSC Russian Railways is being published. This document helps them learn more about work, rest, and social support for women in the company, including special medical programs, the basics of a healthy lifestyle, benefits, guarantees, etc.
Events are held for the family members of participants in the special military operation, explaining social support measures for military families and conducting workshops and quests for children.
To enable the exchange of opinions and the formation of new proposals for supporting women, a consultative body has been created: the JSC Russian Railways Coordinating Council for Improving Working Conditions, Rest, and Social Support for Women.
In conclusion, it can be stated that while opportunities for women's employment in the company have been expanded, the entry of women into historically "male" professions has also served as a catalyst for the development and implementation of new measures to improve working conditions and increase comfort in the workplace.