Railway trade union strike underway

The token strike launched by railway trade unions as of midnight yesterday is currently underway.The strike is being carried out citing the failure of authorities to provide suitable solutions to concerns surrounding the grading system.

Railway trade unions are engaged in the strike at a time that Sri Lanka Railways has been gazetted as an. The gazette cites commuters and all goods transportation as an essential service. essential service.

The operation of trains, train and railway line maintenance, provision of security, signal system operations, issuances of tickets and all other services provided by Sri Lanka Railways has been gazetted as an essential service.

When contacted by NewsRadio Secretary of the Locomotive Engine Operators’ Union Indika Dodangoda said they obtained legal advice prior to the issuance of the gazette notification.

Dodangoda added the gazette notification will not affect their strike action, claiming they will not resort to methods of violence.

The unions previously engaged in a 48 hour railway strike that ended on the 23rd of June.The unions subsequently stated that they decided to engage in a 24 hour strike every Friday, until the government provides solutions to their concerns.

Railway Drivers, Superintendents, Controllers and Station Masters engaged in a 48 hour token strike over concerns surrounding the grading system.