Railway Trade Unions threatens Strike

Colombo (News 1st) - Railway Trade Unions have warned that they would commence a strike from midnight on Tuesday (August 21) if the promises made to them are not fulfilled. On the 08th of August, Railway Trade Unions launched an unannounced strike of opposing the rejection of the cabinet paper that was produced to solve the salary anomalies of several grades in the Railway Service. Indika Dodangoda - Secretary of the Locomotive Engine Operators' Union stated that they expect the issue to be solved in a week. He stated that during discussions to call off the strike a promise was made to resolve the anomalies within a week. Dodangoda noted that if the authorities fail to keep their word, they would resume their trade union action. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera requested 3 months to resolve the salary anomalies. Since then a committee was also announced to look into increasing the salaries of all state employees. However, Lal Ariyaratne - Chairman of the Railway Controllers' Association stated that they disagreed with the Finance Minister. Ariyaratne called on the Minister to implement the cabinet decision which was approved previously. Yesterday(August 14) Cabinet decided to appoint a Special Salaries Commission to increase the public sector salaries and to remove salary anomalies. Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Joint Cabinet Spokesperson stated that the commission will be appointed in two months and the report will be produced.