Talks fail; PHIs to go on sick leave tomorrow

As there was no positive response from the Ministry of Health over their demands as of today, the Public Health Inspectors Union has decided to engage in island-wide ‘sick-leave’ trade union action tomorrow.

PHIs Union Secretary Mahesh Balasooriya told Daily Mirror that the decision was made at the Central Executive Council, which was convened today to discuss the issue in detail.    

“We are hoping to announce our final decision on this matter in a press conference which is scheduled to be held tomorrow,”      

However, he said it seemed that some officials attached to the Ministry of Health wanted to drag the issue and therefore no green light from the ministry,” Balasooriya said.      

The Union arrived at the decision to withdraw from Covid-19 control services following the government's failure to provide PHIs with the legal provisions necessary for their duties.

 “We have not been vested with the legal provisions necessary to carry out our duties despite the gazette issued on Covid-19 related health guidelines,” Balasooriya added. 

The PHIs declared that they would resort to a trade union action on Friday (17). (Sheain Fernandopulle)