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Railway unions to strike tomorrow

by Rajmi Manatunga

The island's train service is poised for a breakdown tomorrow with railway employees deciding to launch a strike demanding the immediate rectification of their salary anomalies.

The United Front of Railway Trade Unions said that all railway employees will be on sick leave to take part in the token strike which will be held tomorrow parallel to a protest campaign organised by the Public Service Committee demanding a Rs 4,000 salary increase for all government employees.

A spokesman for the Union said that they decided to join in the strike since there has been no positive response from transport authorities to grant the demands of railway employees.

However, railway authorities assured the regular operation of the train service tomorrow despite its employees threatening to go on strike. Railways General Manager Priyal de Silva told the Daily News that they will take every possible step to minimise any inconvenience caused to commuters during a possible strike.

"We have not yet been informed of any trade union action by the employees. Even if there is a strike, we do not think railway guards and engine drivers will join in it. In case if they decide to strike at the last minute, we are ready to continue a skeleton service with available resources," he said adding that retired engine drivers and guards might be called for assistance.

The protest campaign to be held in front of the Maradana railway station on Wednesday will be followed by a rally at Hyde Park with the participation of a number of public service trade unions.

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