News
Railway strike action to continue
The Sri Lanka Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union is yet to take a decision to call off the ongoing railway strike, union president Chandana Wiyanduwa said.
The strike started on the night of June 6. Mr Wiyanduwa said that although the locomotive drivers had been promoted to Second Class five months ago, the strike was carried out due to delays in salary increments.
He said that they will not call off the strike until their demands are met.
He added that only 83 locomotive drivers are engaged in this trade union action based on their salary issues.
Railways Department spokesman Jagath Idipola said that out of the 83 initial issues, 57 have been solved and only 26 remain unsolved.
The strike, which significantly disrupted railway services across the country, was primarily driven by unsolved demands related to salary increments, amendments to the recruitment process and promotions.
This action has led to over 60 train journeys being cancelled, causing a considerable inconvenience to commuters who expressed their dissatisfaction with the service.
Mr Wiyanduwa said they hope that a proper solution will be provided in the discussion scheduled to be held on Monday (10) at 12 noon with the Railways General Manager (GMR) and Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena. He expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to commuters.
A Railways Department official said that only locomotive drivers of two of the five running sheds have joined the strike, and power set trains will not operate.
A Transport Ministry spokesman said that a meeting may take place this morning, but no final decision had been made.
Another meeting has been arranged with Railways General Manager S S Mudalige.
Local and foreign commuters alike face inconvenience Pix by Akila Jayawardena
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