Teachers threaten joint trade union action

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

If the Government fails to provide an acceptable solution before 30th of this month to redress the salary anomalies of teachers and principals they would launch a joint trade union action, teacher Trade Unions said yesterday addressing the media.

Accordingly, the Principals' and Teachers' Trade Unions would take tough action after closely watching how the Government will respond to the Trade Union action and issues related to Principals and Teachers' Services.

Due to the Trade Union action the Ministry of Education decided to close all State schools on June 11 and 12. Education Ministry sources said classes will be held on two other days in lieu of the lost two days even though the decision was taken considering the security risks posed to schoolchildren by the teachers' boycott.

However the Trade Unions regret the inconvenience caused to the students and the teachers as well" a Union leader said.

Three trade unions including 'Lanka Guru Seva Sangamaya' Education Professionals Union participated at the press briefing.