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Rail strike called by Unions : 

Authorities assure full service

by Rajmi Manatunga

Amidst threats by workers of some key railway services to launch an islandwide strike tomorrow, the Railways Authority has assured the public of an uninterrupted train services.

Commenting on the token strike to be launched by the United Alliance of Railway Trade Unions comprising locomotive drivers, controllers, railway guards and station masters, Authority Chairman P.H. Manatunga said they will manage to avoid harassment of commuters.

"I have not been officially informed of the trade union action. But even if there is a strike we will take steps to minimise its impact on train operations. The Authority has already successfully withstood four attempted strikes after its formation," he said.

The Chairman also blamed the unions of ignoring the Government's initiatives including a voluntary retiring scheme to solve railway employees' problems.

The Alliance which held discussions with Transport Minister Tilak Marapana for more than a month, said they decided to return to trade union action since the Ministry had failed to grant their demands on time.

"We had several rounds of discussions with the Minister after the gazette notification of August 25. But nothing has been agreed upon yet," a union spokesman told the Daily News.

Among the demands of the Front are to grant all privileges, holidays and salary increments of government servants to railway employees, an extra 75 per cent salary hike, trade union representation at the Authority's policy making level and a pension and compensation scheme.

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