48 hour railway strike from midnight today

Railway trade unions are due to launch a 48 hour strike from midnight today. The Secretary of the Railway Station Masters Union Janaka Fernando said the decision was reached after the discussions held with Finance Ministry officials ended in stalemate.

Meanwhile Secretary to the Locomotive Engine Drivers Union Indika Dodangoda attributed the trade union action to the failure of the government to resolve issues concerning salary anomalies of railway employees.

A 48-hour trade union strike was due to commence at midnight yesterday, however following assurances given by Minister of Transport Arjuna Ranatunga, the strike was temporarily postponed.

Accordingly all drivers, engineers station masters and other employees are due to join the strike.