Several trade unions abandon strike action following PM’s statement
Following the Prime Minister’s special statement in parliament, several trade unions decided to abandon the strike action planned for Tuesday. Trade unions from several sectors including health, railways, transportation and banks, had planned a one-day strike action which was to commence at midnight, in opposition to certain proposals in the 2016 budget.
Saman Ratnapriya, Co-Convener of the Government, Semi-Government and Private Sector Trade Unions Collective, stated that, considering the concessions granted by the government, they have reached a final decision to temporarily call off the strike action which was planned to commence at 7 a.m. on December 15.
President of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne stated that they called off the bus strike which was to commence at midnight, as buses will operate as usual across Sri Lanka.
President of the Railway Employees Union, D.M.D. Abeyratne stated:
The key trade unions and the responsible trade unions, are stepping away from the fight. It is difficult for them to get their members only to participate.
Meanwhile, the Lanka Bank Employees Union says their union struggle, will continue. However, the Colombo District Court issued an enjoining order on Monday, December 14 preventing the Lanka Bank Employees Union from engaging in strike actions.
The order was issued after considering a petition filed at the Colombo District Court by three banks. The enjoining order will remain in effect until December 28.
President of the National Trade Union Centre K.D. Lal Kantha stated that at the minimum, the Prime Minister must state in Parliament that those recruited from January 2016 onwards, will also fall under the current pensions system.
He added that then we can reconsider the actions they have taken.
Nevertheless, UNP-affiliated trade unions say the operations against the budget, are not justified.
UPFA MP, Vasudeva Nanayakkara stated that the Prime Minister made a statement regarding the opposition of the workers unions and their strike action as it was evident that they are fearful.
Therefore, he has said that two thousand from the ten thousand rupee basic salary hike will be given. He added that they see that he is bargaining. He added that they have problems with separate proposals in this budget
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