(UTV|COLOMBO) – Railway Trade unions on strike say they expect to hold discussions with Minister of Transport Arjuna Ranatunga to resolve concerns pertaining to employee grades.
Secretary of the Railway Guards Union Manura Peiris said if grade anomalies can be favourably resolved through the meeting, then employees on strike will return to work promptly.
Peiris charged that State Minister of Transport Ashok Abeysinghe was attempting to quell railway trade unions, through the issuance of various gazette notifications.
However the Secretary said as Minister Arjuna Ranatunga who was previously overseas, has now returned to the island, a discussion is anticipated with the Minister in this regard.
The trade union action launched by train engine drivers, superintendents, guards, controllers and station masters, continues for the 10th day today.
The indefinite strike was launched based on a number of demands.
Sri Lanka Railways was recently declared an essential service and accordingly State Minister Abeysinghe has informed unions that employees who continue to fail to report to work will be considered as having vacated their posts.
The General Manager of Railways also yesterday informed all employees on strike to return to work immediately.
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