Will not hesitate to launch countrywide TU action, if ministry fails to take immediate action: Station Masters’ Union

The Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Union (SLRSMU) said yesterday that they will not hesitate to launch a countrywide trade union action immediately if the Transport Ministry does not take action to overcome the railway employee shortage.

RSMU) President Sumedha Somaratne said with the letter issued regarding the retirement of railway employees upon reaching the age of 60 on December 31, the whole railway service is facing a crisis.

He told the media that the required retirement letter was issued by the President's Secretary directly to the Railway General Manager.

"With the start of the new year, at least eight trains were cancelled yesterday morning, and that number can be increased by the evening. We are in a difficult situation providing services at train stations due to a shortage of staff. "Therefore, immediate solutions for the above issue are very much needed," he said.

"Due to not approving suitable persons for the pending Station Master posts, most ticket issuing counters have to be closed," he said. "Train stations between Matara and Beliatta, Talaimannar, and Medawachchiya have to be closed."

We requested the Minister provide an immediate solution to overcome the issue, but we have still not received a clear solution. Even yesterday, Somaratne said he was still waiting for a positive response from the minister.

If the Minister does not provide solutions, the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters' Union (SLRSMU) will not hesitate to launch a countrywide trade union action as soon as possible.

Therefore, the Management Service Department must take immediate action to normalise the service without being strict on to their decisions.