Strikes galore, public inconvenienced

Train operators and drivers withdrew from work from noon today citing administration issues, leaving the public using trains inconvenienced by the abrupt decision to go on a strike. 

Yesterday, railway station masters attached to the Railway Telegraph Office in Maradana commenced a 24-hour token strike over delayed promotions, faulty railway signal systems and the use of damaged train compartments. They called off the strike following a meeting with the State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama.

Meanwhile, hospitals and government-run health clinics in Badulla, Mahiyanganaya and other areas in Uva province experienced a severe shortage of nursing and other supplementary medical staff.

Over 16 health sector unions representing nurses, laboratory technicians, paramedics, public health officers and other supplementary staff took part in the trade union action today in Uva province and participated in a demonstration in front of the Badulla Teaching Hospital.

Government Nursing Officers’ Association President Saman Ratnapriya said 95 percent of nursing officers at Mahiyanganaya hospital took part in today’s strike. Health sector unions vow to continue their protests over salary anomalies, irregularities in promotions and other issues.

Ravi Kumudesh of the Joint Council for Professions of Supplementary Medicine said all PSM including medical laboratory technologists working in all hospitals and institutions affiliated to the central government as well as in provincial hospitals in Eastern province will go on a token strike tomorrow (16) as well.

Yesterday, postal workers went on strike leaving many post offices around the country closed and not in operation. Convener of the United Postal Unions Front Chinthaka Bandara threatened to continue their trade union action in the coming weeks if authorities fail to address their concerns.

(Pix by Nissanka Meegoda and Akila Jayawardana)