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Railway Unions continue strike for eleventh day
View(s):The Railway unions say their strike will not be called off until the government gives a clear cut answer to their salary and service anomalies.
A few office trains are operating and picture shows commuters perching themselves where-ever they can find some space. Pic by Reka Tharangani
The trade union action has reached its eleventh day today causing a severe breakdown in the railway services and terrible hardships to the people.
The decision was taken following a meeting held on Friday between Railway trade union leaders.
On Thursday President Maithripala Sirisena issued an extra ordinary gazette notification declaring the railway service as essential. Following the gazette notification, the Sri Lanka Railways Department said all employees leave had been cancelled and they were ordered to return to work immediately.
According to Railway trade unions, nearly 3000 railway employees on strike have been suspended.
“When we are suspended or interdicted, changes made through gazette notifications do not affect us. How can we report for work, when we are suspended,” said Indika Dodangoda, Chairman of the Locomotive Engine Operators Union.
“For the essential service condition to be effective, their job suspension has to be nullified,” he added.
Mr Dodangoda said that the strike was launched to urge the Government to implement a solution to anomalies in the railway service grades.
“This is not just about our salaries. The service anomalies have been detrimental to the workers,” he said.
Railway Guards Union Secretary P.M.P. Peiris said: “Not all suspended railway employees had been notified in writing. Only some employees have received written notifications.”
The railway strike was launched collectively by the Locomotive Engine Operators Union, Sri Lanka Railway Guards Union, Railway Drivers Union and Railway Station Masters Union. The union of the Railway Supervisory Managers has also joined the strike.
The Sunday Times made several attempts to contact the Acting Transport Minister and the General Manager of Railways, but they did not respond.