Railway service returns to normalcy

Railway trade unions claim the railway service has now returned to normalcy.

When inquired by Jaffnazone.com General Secretary of the All Ceylon Railway Union SP Vithanage said even though the trade union action was called off, train services were disrupted owing to technical and practical difficulties last evening.

Therefore Vithanage requested all railway employees to report to work as the trade union action has been called off. He said all necessary measures will be resorted to ensure uninterrupted service to the public.

Railway trade unions decided to call off the island wide strike action launched at midnight on Wednesday following talks with Minister of Transport Arjuna Ranatunga.

Operations at running sheds, railway operational and technical divisions and department activities were at a standstill after several trade union members withdrew from services.

Several railway trade unions launched the indefinite strike, accusing officials of the Transport Ministry of exerting pressure on the General Manager of Railways to reinstate a trade union activist who was interdicted on disciplinary grounds.

Chief Secretary of the Railway Trade Unions Association SP Vithanage said they met with the subject Minister and Deputy Minister around noon yesterday, and following agreements reached at the meeting the unions decided to call off the strike action.

Around 50 trade unions reportedly engaged in the trade union action, with Engine Drivers, Controllers, Station Masters, Guards and other employees all withdrawing from services.