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Unions split on general strike
The call for a general strike on Tuesday over increased electricity tariffs has been met with mixed reactions from trade unions with some of them extending their support and others saying they will only support the protest campaign. However the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board (SLCTB) cancelled leave of all employees as trade unions prepared to stage the general strike on Tuesday.
Depot managers have issued circulars saying leave for employees has been cancelled on May 21 in view of the Vesak celebrations. However the Vesak is on Friday. Several unions including those backed by the United National Party (UNP) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) were planning to call out their members for the one-day token strike.
The Trade Union Alliance (CCTUA) Coordination Committee Co-convener Mahinda Jayasinghe said the token strike would be held as scheduled. He said a petition was sent to the president Mahinda Rajapakse on April 28 calling to withdraw the increased electricity rates with a warning that they would stage a strike.
He said the people would have to bear some difficulties but the unions believed the strike was necessary to force the government to revoke the electricity price hike. Among the other parties which have agreed to support the strike are United Socialist Party (USP) and the Democratic People’s Front.
The Lanka Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya in the CEB has also vowed to join the strike. The Ceylon Mercantile Union (CMU) said its members in more than 20 private sector companies would be taking part in the strike. However, a number of trade unions including those representing the health, education, port and telecommunication sectors have decided to refrain from taking part in the strike, but will support a protest campaign due to take place at Ratmalana on Tuesday.
The Private Bus Owners Association led by Gemunu Wijeratne said they would also not be taking part in the strike as they would be causing inconvenience to the people during the Vesak season. He said they were opposing the increase of electricity rates and would stage a protest later.
Health sector Trade Union Alliance Convenor Saman Ratnapriya said they would not take part in the strike as their members could be penalised by transfers and demotions. Federation of the University Teachers Association chief Nirmal Devasiri said that they would not be taking part in the strike.
Meanwhile Public Administration Minister John Seneviratne said that the Government did not take the proposed strike seriously. “I have discussed the issue with officials and there is no need to make any standby arrangements,” he said.
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