Nationwide Public Sector Sick Leave Strike Cripples Services
July 09, Colombo (LNW): More than 250 Trade Unions in Sri Lanka’s Public Sector are on sick leave today (9), potentially crippling public services nationwide. This widespread action includes Public Management, Development Officers, Drivers, and Office Staff among other organizations.
The primary demand of these unions is an increased allowance of Rs. 25,000, similar to what is given to executive officers. This trade union action caused significant disruptions to the operations of government departments and ministries yesterday.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, Joseph Starling, announced that teachers and principals will also participate in a sick leave protest today. Additionally, General Secretary of the University Non-Academic Employee’s Union, Ajith K. Thilakarathne, confirmed that their members would join the sick leave protest. The strike by non-academic university staff marks its 70th day today, with demands including an increase in monthly allowances and a reversal of a 15% salary anomaly.
Postal workers continue their strike for the second day, demanding recruitment for vacancies at the Department of Posts, permanent positions for non-permanent staff, and addressing several other issues. Over 20,000 postal workers across Sri Lanka’s 4,700 post offices and sub-offices are participating in this trade union action. The United Postal Trade Union Front claims that this strike has resulted in the closure of 90% of post offices across the island. Co-Convener of the United Postal Trade Union Front, H. A. R Nihal, warned that they will resort to a continuous strike if their demands are not met.
