BIA strike called off

5 November 2014 05:48 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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13.01 P.M - The trade union action launched by the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya employees at the Bandaranaike International Airport- Katunayake has been called off a short while ago.

12.12 P.M - The SriLankan Airlines said two of its out-bound flights to London and to Shanghai have been delayed due to the strike.

Meanwhile the British High Commission in Colombo advised travellers to check with the airlines before heading to the airport.

The High Commission in a twitter message said, “Industrial action disrupting services to and from SL’s Bandaranaike Int Airport. Travellers should check with airline before heading to airport,”

11.05- A.M - The operations at the Bandaranaike International Airport-Katunayake have been interrupted due to a sudden strike launched by Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya employees at the Airport demanding a salary increment of Rs.10,000.

Four passenger flights that have landed at the Airport have been kept waiting for several hours as the jet bridges cannot be connected for the passengers to disembark as a result of the strike, Airport sources said.

The strike that was launched last evening has brought the operations at the BIA to a complete halt by now. According to Airport officials, the baggage belts have stopped running and the arriving passengers have faced severe difficulties. It was reported that about 2,000 passengers were waiting inside the airport for clearance.

The Airport powerhouse too has been blocked by the protesting employees by creating blockades of vehicles.

The officials stated furthermore that the flight services would have to be halted if the Airport Fire Service Department is not able to bring the airplane landing process up and running.

Discussions are ongoing between the airport authorities and the protesting unions to reach a solution concerning the protesting employees’ demands. (Kumarasiri Prasad)

Pix by Kumarasiri Prasad

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Comments - 15

BabaBoo Wednesday, 05 November 2014 11:36 AM

Move all operations to Mattala?

Gerard E Wednesday, 05 November 2014 12:13 PM

Ha ha, planned move, to move all flight to Mattala to show turn over, hand in glove operation by the government

Chinthaka Wednesday, 05 November 2014 12:18 PM

This is a national crime. Who are the leaders of this betrayal ? How can they start a strike like this ?

waco Wednesday, 05 November 2014 12:20 PM

This way of trade-Union action is ver inhuman. Passengers are suffering and facing great inconvenience. Trade union leaders must understand that.

Sonali De Silva Wednesday, 05 November 2014 12:27 PM

One former president had a solution to these strikes which crippled essential services. We all know what it was.

Richard Wednesday, 05 November 2014 12:50 PM

Unacceptable and should ignore all the demands except 10,000 hike. Plenty of young educated talented people waiting for an opportunity to work. Most of these guys are rude and impolite...

anahil Wednesday, 05 November 2014 01:45 PM

How about the flights to Singapore?!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Suq Madique Wednesday, 05 November 2014 01:56 PM

Every day its either a strike or protest. What next, the Port? Its time for this Govt to step aside if they cannot ensure smooth governance.

liyanage Wednesday, 05 November 2014 02:31 PM

yyyyy

Waco Wednesday, 05 November 2014 04:20 PM

This was a very high handed action by the trade union. It was a sabotage attempt. Leaders should be arrested immediately and delt with legally to prevent any recurance of this nature.Mr President please intervene.

Indu Jayawickrama Wednesday, 05 November 2014 04:27 PM

The strike is not for real bargaining. That is one of political motive run by pro- state politicians. Past few weeks during the budget it was revealed that the our air line services are running on debt. They wanted to show that is not true.The protestors claimed that the air line service gained 450 billion profit there fore they need their salary increment. This is the fact... tomorrow this matter will be brought into political discussions on media... sure.. you will see it.The decision for salary increment had been taken five days before.

Waco Thursday, 06 November 2014 11:14 AM

Department of Lsbour:How did these people went on strike without any prior notice?Are the Union Leaders responsible for instructing their members to go on strike . Go scot-free?This is a joke. No Law and Order prevalent in the country. Few ministers also held discussions with them.Please step down if you all cannot rule the country. Thugs have taken the law into their hand.

Karunaratne Thursday, 06 November 2014 11:41 AM

Why this government tolarate these acts which tarnish the image of the country as a whole? Sack them straight away.

Chinthaka Thursday, 06 November 2014 11:42 AM

I agree with the strikers if they are poorly paid. They could not wait until the government circular reached to AASL management. They spit to their meal plate by this un ethical act of violence by an act of sabotage. We are a nation famous for hospitality and they prove the brutality of employees work at the airport by placing the passengers in to trouble at the Departurs and transit. Good luck for Sri Lanka ?

peterg1 Friday, 07 November 2014 12:24 AM

I was at the airport the day it happened and had just made it to the immigration counter when the power went off Despite the inconvenience of it all as it messed up my connections in Singapore and back to melbourne I would like to point out that as we were kept in the dark there were no announcements made and I had to find out from a friend who heard about it in the cabSri lanka is trying to promote tourism but tell me how can someone just be able to turn off the power to a capital cities airport it is so ludicrous to think it is that easy can you imagine that would be possible at heathrow new york or sydneyThe departure area is a sham as if a person wants to enter to see you off they have to pay 300rp but once in there is no decent coffee shop or cafe bar to sit at so its pointless Come on sri lanka get your act together and put this airport in the 21st century

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BIA strike called off

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