Ministry Secretary takes over PMG powers

TU action called off:

Hemanthi GURUGE

All powers of the Post Master General have been taken over by the Post and Telecommunication Ministry Secretary with immediate effect.

The Joint Trade Union Alliance decided to call off the strike follow this decision.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Post and Telecommunication Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga said there was a crisis in the Central Mail Exchange during the last few weeks due to trade union action.

The postal union decided to launch a trade union action demanding the removal of the Post Master General.

The Minister said allegations by trade unions against the Post Master General and the Ministry will be investigated by an independent committee.

The committee will be appointed by the minister.

The trade union had agreed to call off the strike after discussions with the minister yester- day.

A trade union spokesman said that 2.2 million undelivered letters and 2,000 parcels at the Central Mail Exchange would be delivered before the New Year.