Postal Workers Warned: No Work, No Pay – Strike In Sri Lanka Enters Day 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Postal Department has issued a stern warning to employees who fail to report to duty today (22), stating that they will be treated as having voluntarily abandoned their positions.

Deputy Postmaster General Chameesha de Silva confirmed that all striking postal workers were formally notified in writing yesterday (21)regarding the consequences of continuing their industrial action.

Adding to the pressure, the Treasury has informed the department that no salary payments will be released for employees who do not report to work today.

The strike, now in its fifth consecutive day, was launched by postal workers over 19 unresolved issues, including demands for overdue allowances and concerns over mandatory fingerprinting procedures.

As the strike drags on, thousands of citizens are facing severe disruptions in accessing essential postal services, with long queues and mounting frustration reported at post offices across the country.

Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa once again informed postal trade unions that he is ready for discussions, provided that demands related to overtime allowances and fingerprinting are withdrawn.

Due to the ongoing strike action by several postal trade unions, the Postal Department has reported a financial loss of approximately Rs. 100 million so far.

Members of the public who came to access postal services expressed frustration, saying they have been facing severe difficulties for the past four days.

The Postal and Telecommunication Officers’ Union, along with the Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance, held a press conference, reaffirming their commitment to continue the ongoing strike until their demands are addressed.

Chinthaka Bandara, Joint Convenor of the Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance emphasized that the unions are not rejecting government policy or acting outside the responsibilities of public service. The real issue, he explained, lies in the recent changes to the payment structure for overtime hours.

Bandara also criticized the conditions set by the Minister for initiating discussions, stating that talks would only be held if the unions dropped their concerns over fingerprinting and overtime.

The strike, now in its fifth day, has disrupted postal services across the country, with several post offices remaining closed and the public facing significant inconvenience.