Joint Health Workers Association on Token Strike

COLOMBO (News 1st): Junior staff at 25 hospitals across the island are engaged in a token strike today (Feb. 17) citing 11 demands, the Joint Health Workers Association said. The token strike launched at 8:00 am today (17), will conclude at 12 noon, Chaminda Nilantha, the Chairman of the Joint Health Workers Association told News 1st. Among the demands cited by the Association, is a request for a payment to be made in respect of the extra 08-hours they work per week, and for the recruitment of workers to overcome the shortage of staff. "There are substitute members who have already completed the required 180-days of duty; however they are yet to receive permanent employment," Chaminda Nilantha further noted. According to Chaminda Nilantha, the Joint Health Workers Association requests for an allowance be paid for working under the prevailing high-risk circumstances. The token strike is being carried out at 25 hospitals, including the Colombo General Hospital and Kandy National Hospital.