No talks until rail strike ends, says Minister

BY RAJMI Manatunga

RAILWAYS Minister Felix Perera yesterday took a firm stand on the ongoing train strike, saying he was not ready for any discussion with the striking locomotive operators until they call off their trade union action.

Minister Perera told the Daily News that there was no change in his stance regarding the islandwide strike which entered its sixth day yesterday.

"I have clearly conveyed to them that I will be available for discussions only after they call off the strike. Until then we will do our best to provide a satisfactory service to the commuters," he said.

The Minister said it was impossible at this juncture to grant a salary increase to striking engine drivers who already receive an average pay packet of around Rs 45,000 per month.

"The Cabinet made a unanimous decision on July 29 not to revise the salaries of the state sector in a manner that would hinder the activities of the National Administration Council. If we increase the engine drivers' salaries it would give rise to similar demands from other railway unions," he said.

Meanwhile, the Railways Department continued to provide a skeletal train service for commuters.

According to the Railway Main Control Room, around 80 trains including 36 morning trains and 40 evening trains were operated yesterday despite the ongoing strike.

"We have also been able to resume the operation of goods trains and mail trains. Only a small number of trains have been cancelled owing to the strike," Minister Perera said.