Unions pledge settle grievances through negotiations

Representatives of 27 trade unions attached to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board met Water Supply Minister Mahinda Amaraweera at Sethsiripaya yesterday pledged to settle their grievances through negotiation without falling prey to the machinations of sinister forces trying to destabilise the country by inciting the working class to strike action.

The union representatives said workers were bound to face certain difficulties when efforts are being taken to rebuild the country liberated from 30 years of terrorism. They would try to bear with it in the national interest and try to resolve outstanding issues through discussion and negotiation without disrupting development by resorting to strikes.

The media unit of the Water Supply Ministry in a press release said following the discussions Minister Amaraweera appointed a special committee comprising officials and trade union representatives to recommend salary increments and other benefits to NWSDB employees and propose measures to cut down waste and ensure a better service to consumers. The committee was directed to forward its recommendations within a month.

The Minister also said a special housing loan scheme for NWSDB employees would come into effect from January 1 next year along with a family insurance scheme.

Ministry Secretary A. Abeygunasekera and other officials also participated.