Public sector hit by major strike

Public sector workers’ unions have warned that if the authorities do not meet their demands during the day, they will meet in Colombo tomorrow (July 10) to decide on further action.

The unions said they did not intend to give up after the two-day campaign and agreed to transform the union action into a continuous strike.

The ‘Sick Leave’ campaign initiated by 200 public sector unions demanding a salary hike of Rs 20,000 and a raise in salaries to Rs 25,000 to match that of senior executives, is continuing for the second consecutive day.

A two-day trade union drive began yesterday with the participation of trade unions of postal workers, Grama Niladharis, surveyors, Samurdhi, district and divisional secretaries and education workers.

Reports are that most public offices are empty due to the strike and employees at lower-level services have not reported for work today, causing a major inconvenience to the public.

Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said teachers and principals of all schools were taking part in the union drive and informed that they were sick today, which was affecting the teaching activities of students.

However, he added that practice tests for the GCE Ordinary Level examination will still be conducted.

Meanwhile, postal workers reported for sick leave in connection with duty, with only senior employees and administrative officials reporting to work, leading to the closure of the Central Postal Exchange and several main post offices.

Striking trade unionists appealed to people not to use the services of public institutions today. (Press broadcast)