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Uninterrupted train service assured

by Ranil Wijayapala

General Manager of Railways W.K.B. Weragama facing a two day token strike by the Joint Federation of Railway Workers Trade Unions (JFRWTU) from today, yesterday assured an uninterrupted train service with the assistance of the majority of railway workers.

Weragama said that the Department can operate all the scheduled trains today as almost all engine drivers and guards were ready to report for duty despite the announced trade union action.

Representatives of the JFRWTU yesterday met Transport Ministry officials to hold discussions on their demands.

The JFRWTU last week announced a two day token strike on Tuesday and Wednesday on 15 demands including a Rs.3,000 allowance.

They also demanded that Saturday be declared a holiday for all railway workers in addition to the payment of arrears, approved loans and incentive payments according to new salaries.

The JFTWTU consists of 22 railway trade unions including engine drivers, guards and technicians.

Meanwhile, the United Front of Railway Trade Unions (UFRTU) condemned the trade union action by the JFRWTU since Transport Minister Dinesh Gunawardane had already taken steps to meet their demands.

They have pledged that their membership will help to maintain a normal train service today and tomorrow despite the announced trade union action by the UFRTU. They also said the token strike by the JFRWTU was unfair as the Minister had already reinstated the 131 railways workers interdicted following the lightning strike in May this year.

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