Contradictory statements from Secretary of Railway Engine Drivers Union over the cause of railway strike

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The strike action launched by the Railway Trade unions has been called off following discussions with the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. Prior to the discussions with the minister, trade union representatives held a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena. During the meeting, the president pointed out that it is their duty to carry out their activities without hampering the day-to-day life of the general public. The President’s media unit said, during the meeting the President requested trade union activists to call off their strike. Railways workers engaged in a strike for 12 continuous days citing salary anomalies. Following the meeting at the ministry, trade union representatives informed the media of their decision to call off the strike. Indika Dodamgoda, Secretary of Railway Engine Drivers Union expressed their thoughts after the discussion with the Chairman of the National Salary Commission. He noted that the chairman had agreed to certain conditions to solve their issues. He went on to note that they are yet to discuss their issues with the Ministry of Transport and reach a final decision in the future. He added that all the unions agreed to it and they decided to call off this strike. He went on to note that the Minister of Transport arrived in the island today and the issue was solved after his arrival. However, the general public of the country was severely affected during the past 12 days. Why did the railway trade unions launch strike action, inconveniencing the general public and putting their lives at risk? They now express contradicting views in this regard. Lal Ariyarathne, Co-Convener of the Railway Operational Supervision Trade Union noted today that one of the main issues bugging them was the salary increment which is to be effective from January next year. He added that the National Salary Commission were to reduce their salaries, however, they managed to rectify the issue. He further added that it was not the salary anomalies in grades that they made them take to the streets. Contradictorily, on the 2nd of October, the same person stated that there was a salary anomaly objecting to what he states today. This so-called trade union leader, who cannot even provide clarification as to why the strike action was held.