Fifteen health trade unions launch 48-hour token strike

Nurses, paramedics, public health officers and complimentary medical staff launched an island-wide strike today (24) and will continue for 48 hours.

“Over 55,000 health professionals in hospitals and in the public health sector will take part in the trade union action over salary anomalies, demanding the government to increase the special allowance and fix irregularities in promotions” Government Nursing Officers’ Association President Saman Ratnapriya said.

Picketing campaigns will take place in front of leading hospitals today afternoon. Mr. Ratnapriya said.

However, health services in hospitals treating COVID patients, Cancer Hospital, Maharagama, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children and Castle Street Hospital for Women and other specific hospitals including the Kinnya Hospital will not be interrupted by the token strike. 

Ravi Kumudesh of the Sri Lanka Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists said the strike will have an impact on PCR/Rapid Antigen Tests conducted today and tomorrow.

(Pix by Manura Sellahewa)