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Unions seeking solutions to salary, recruitment gripes turn on heat
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Trade unions have stepped up protests and strikes, impacting several sectors including the postal services, education, and railways. More trade union action is expected in the weeks ahead.
The ongoing strike by non-academic staff at universities is on its 45 th day and union president and spokesperson Dhammika S. Priyantha says they will continue their action until the government responds.
“We are disappointed as the government has not yet paid the promised salary increase. Initially set at 25%, negotiations resulted in an agreement to split the raise, 12% this year and 13% in January next year,” he said.
Scene at the General Post Office Colombo. Pic by Akila Jayawardena
But, the first 12% increase has not been received. Employees are frustrated, stating the delay affects their financial plans, he said.
About 150,000 students are facing disruption to their education.
The university admissions process is being delayed and causing frustration among students. graduates seeking to certify their certificates for employment are also facing delays.
Essential resources like handbooks are not being given to students and local and international research has stopped, the union leader said.
This week, Education Ministry Secretary, Thilaka Jayasundara had written to the Chairman of the University Grants commission Prof Sampath Amaratunga stating that increases cannot be granted this year.
Teachers' protest in Thabuttegama. Pic by Thisara Samal
“We have no allocations made this year and therefore the demands cannot be met,” Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.
The Teachers and Principals Alliance Union plans a nationwide strike during school hours on June 26 to press for a solution to the existing salary disparity, union president Joseph Stalin said.
This is a change from past strikes that were held outside of school hours, Mr. Stalin said.
Later this week, minor staff of schools too, have warned about a sick note campaign. The Education Ministry is seeking assistance from past pupils associations and parents to ensure school operations can continue.
The impact of teachers and principals strikes and the minor staff strike nationwide extends to examinations, extracurricular activities, and the overall education.
Meanwhile The United Postal Union Front’s president, Chinthaka Bandara has announced a strike on June 24, unless recruitment issues are solved.
The Department of Posts is facing a shortfall of about 7,000 employees, prompting demands for immediate hiring. Recruitment had been stopped since 2018.
He said the workforce shortage has impacted 75% of electricity and water bill transactions across the country, as well as welfare payments and payments for patients suffering from kidney ailments, cancer and other illnesses.
“We suspect that the government might have halted the hiring of postal workers because of its plans for privatisation,’’ Mr Bandara said.
The Port Authority union secretary says while there is no plan to strike, the union is prepared to show solidarity.
Last week, the railway locomotive engineers’ strike ended following talks with the government, although two issues remain unresolved. Station masters have also met with authorities to discuss their concerns on June 14.
Earlier, Grama Niladhari officers went on strike demanding a service constitution that had been delayed for years, and a salary and allowances revision.
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