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| Saturday, 7 February 2004 |
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Rail strike ends by Manjula Fernando The 11 day old railway strike ended at midnight yesterday. The decision was announced at a joint media conference at the Gramodaya centre, attended by Transport Minister Tilak Marapana and Railway Trade Union leaders, last night. It was decided to call off the strike following a pledge by the Government that the paralysed Railways Department will be allowed to function for an interim period of two years. During this period, the Railways Authority will have no powers over the Railways Department's Head. Minister Marapana also promised not to take any disciplinary action against the 17,500 railway workers on strike since January 26. The announcement was made following a four and a half hour meeting between trade unionists, the Prime Minister's aides and the Transport Minister at Temple Trees last evening. Ministers Rajitha Senaratne, Gamini Lokuge, Vajira Abeywardena, Railway Authority Chairman H. Manatunge and the Prime Minister's advisor Dinesh Weerakkody also attended the meeting. The Government has promised to take steps through the Parliament to legalise the new powers within three months. Both parties have also agreed to set up a joint administrative committee in the Railways Department comprising both Government and Trade Union members. The trade union representatives, however, warned that they would resort to another islandwide strike if the Government fails to keep their promises. Co-convenor of Joint Railway Trade Union Alliance K. V. Jayasena at the media conference said they were forced to terminate the trade union action considering the workers' plight, the commuters and damage being done to the trains due to mishandling. Joint Railway Services Trade Union Front co-convenor Sampath Rajitha requested all members to report to work from midnight yesterday. Over 30 trade unions representing engine drivers, railway guards, locomotive engine assistant drivers, technicians, train controllers and clerks joined in the strike. |
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