Take strikers to court

At a time when the ordinary people of this country are suffering grave hardships as a result of wild cat strikes in particularly the essential services, Transport Minister A. H. M. Fowzie has placed before them an interesting proposition. That is, why don't they institute legal action against the striking workers for dereliction of duty?

Much thought, we hope, will be given to this suggestion but legal action of the kind contemplated needs to be premised on the existence of collective action by the people and such group action is sadly lacking in Sri Lanka.

Besides, such action would not be possible without facilitatory factors such as civil society organisations and people's advocacy groups which could take-up issues which relate intimately to the common good, in the courts of law. On this score too, Sri Lanka could be considered as wanting.

Perhaps, organisations such as the Legal Aid Commission could look into the possibility of helping citizens' bodies and connected groups which advocate the people's grievances.

Nevertheless, Minister Fowzie's suggestion needs to be seriously looked at by the citizenry on account of it being a wake-up call for vibrant civic action against irresponsible, conscienceless trade unions and other agitational forces which turn life into an unbearable agony for the common people.

It is high time the people considered coming together for securing their rights and the lack of such collective action could be considered a stimulant to continued anti-people and destructive acts by trade unions linked to some essential services.

That said, the point should also be conceded that primary action for the maintenance of essential services should originate in the State and that the latter could not turn a blind eye on its duties in this respect.

Civic action could perhaps complement and consolidate the State's actions aimed at sustaining essential services.

However, there is no disputing the proposition that a civic-conscious public is a dire necessity in Sri Lanka. If we possessed this asset, irresponsible trade unions would not be treating the common good in cavalier fashion or playing what may be called ducks and drakes with it.

It is very encouraging to realise, though, that there are now patients' advocacy groups in the health sector, with no links to the State and other external entities, which are working towards protecting patients' rights. May such groups flourish is our wish.

When considering the unconscionable trade union action which is rampant today, one cannot help reflecting that such anti-people conduct would have been greatly inspired by the inhumane strike action of the Government Medical Officers' Association, which is a pioneer in the crippling of essential services. Enough is enough, we say. The people should adopt all democratic means to further their legitimate rights.

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