Hidden hand behind health strike - Nimal Siripala
 

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva pointed to a political hand behind yesterday's strike launched by the Health Services Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA).

However, a union spokesman said they were compelled to stage a one day token strike as the authorities failed to provide solutions to three main issues affecting their membership.

Meanwhile, the Ministry spokesman said the strike was held despite an assurance given by the Health Ministry Secretary Ranjith Maligaspe that steps will be taken to fulfil their demands.

A meeting was held on Tuesday between the Ministry Secretary and representatives of the HSTUA on their demands.

"At the meeting the Health Secretary had stated that steps will be taken to meet those demands and that their demands had to be presented to the Ministry of Public Administration and the Tissa Devendra Commission as the Secretary has no direct powers in this regard."

The spokesman said the union representatives had agreed with the points explained by the Secretary of Health.

However, he said the discussion with health officials ended in a deadlock and it was unsuccessful. The spokesman also noted that health services at state run hospitals was conducted as usual despite the strike.

Minister de Silva commended the health employees who reported to work and helped to maintain services. He also praised the role played certain trade unions in defeating this strike.

The Union spokesman said they would launch a two day strike on October 26 and 27 if the Health Secretary failed to issue the circular granting their demands within a period of one week.