Several trade unions attached to the health sector commenced a strike action on Wednesday. This strike action resulted in the activities of state hospital being hampered.

The trade unions commenced this strike action citing five demands including the granting of salary arrears in accordance with Circular 6 of 2006, the implementation of the five-day work-week and limiting night shifts to two days.

The strike action commenced at 06.30 this morning and will continue for forty eight hours.

Twenty one (21) trade unions representing 27 grades of health workers attached to the Joint Trade Union Committee are taking part in this strike action.

Ward clerks, food inspectors, housekeepers, orderlies, elevator operators, transport operators, attendants, cooks and other minor staff are taking part in the strike action.

Operations at the National Hospital in Colombo were disrupted due to the strike action. Meanwhile, on Wednesday the Joint Trade Union Committee  staged a demonstration opposite the National Hospital.

Health workers who reached the location where the Joint Trade Union Committee is staging a fast urging that their demands be met, later commenced a protest march. However, their mark was restricted to the Lipton Circus.

They were informed that they will be given an opportunity to discuss their issue with the President, through the intervention of the Minister of Health. Senior members of the Joint Trade Union Committee informed their fellow colleagues on this announcement.

However , some members opposed this move.

Though there was opposition by several members, the Joint Trade Union Committee decided to stop their protest march.

The Ministry of Health announced that , a discussion is underway with the President on the issue.

Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health K.A.S. Keeragala said that the Minister of Health, the Secretary and several other health officials are taking part in the discussion.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Joint Trade Union Committee, Samantha Koralearachchi said that the strike action will continue.

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