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Circular on over time results in train cancellations

by Ranil Wijayapala

The train commuters were inconvenienced last evening as around 20 scheduled trains were cancelled due to trade union action taken by the engine drivers demanding the cancellation of a circular issued by the Chief Engineer of the Motive Power Department.

According to the train control room, suburban train services to Polgahawela, Avissawella, Aluthgama and Negombo were cancelled as engine drivers did not report for duties, on time.

They have demanded the cancellation of a circular issued by the Chief Engineer Motive Power on October 2 stipulating the regulation regarding the overtime hours and resting time period for the engine drivers.

Chief Engineer Motive Power, B. A. P. Ariyaratne told the Daily News that he has issued this circular highlighting the existing regulations of the Department regarding over time hours and duty hours as constant audit queries have been raised regarding the OT payments to engine drivers.

The Locomotive Operating Engineers Union representing the engine drivers had opposed this circular and had send a fax to him demanding the cancelation of the circular.

He said that he has already informed the Trade Union that he has postponed the implementation of the circular by ten days if there is any opposition to it by the engine drivers.

The General Manager of Railways Priyal de Silva and Ministry Secretary has also been informed about the situation, Ariyaratne added. 

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