US hearing next week

24 September 2010 01:31 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Sandun A. Jayasekera

The public hearing by the US State Department on alleged violations of labour rights in Sri Lanka will be held in Washington on Tuesday,government sources said today

Statements from representatives of the Sri Lankan government and Trade Unions would be recorded, Free Trade Zone Workers Union (FTZWU) President Anton Marcus who complained to the State Department said he would also be testifying at the inquiry.

Labour Ministry Secretary Mahinda Madihahewa said a six-member team comprising of Commerce Director General Gomis Senadheera, Deputy Director Gothami Indikadahewa; External Affairs Ministry Acting DG Varuni Muthukumarana, Labour Ministry Senior Legal Advisor Poshitha Perera, External Affairs Ministry Assistant Director R.P.Wimalasena, Labour Ministry Senior Assistant Secretary U.S. Athukorala of would represent Sri Lanka at the public hearing.

The State Department had initiated action against Sri Lanka based on a petition to America Free Labour Council of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) by the FTZWU. The matter has serious implications since it could put the United States GSP concessions to Sri Lanka in jeopardy.

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Comments - 11

Babanis Friday, 24 September 2010 02:09 PM

Well so we have to listen to USA after all. USA is still the worlds largest economy and we need to corporate with them. I do hope the US will give a impartial hearing. Thank you sir, Mr. Obama.

Yehiya-Doha Friday, 24 September 2010 02:44 PM

Its good. But our labour force also have to cooperate with the
Employer.Just blindly lot of strike lot of companies close down.

Shantha Perera Friday, 24 September 2010 04:00 PM

US should investigate the violations of Lobour laws in Saudi Arabia First as the rights of labour are violated left , right and the center in saudi

Kusuma from FTZ Friday, 24 September 2010 04:13 PM

Don’t worry, if we lose the GSP concessions, Anton Marcus will fight tooth and nail to save his worker’s jobs.

Omar Friday, 24 September 2010 04:20 PM

Our apparel industry's labour exploitation is the cause of all these problems. Because of exploitation labour turnover is very high in garment factories. There are plenty of vacancies now in factories. Workers are fearing to come to work. When our government can't give our brother and sisters a hearing, we hope at least the US will give a hearing to our workers' grievances...!!!!

Sunil DXB Friday, 24 September 2010 04:28 PM

Who is this Anton Marcus ? Another Don Juan ?

I wish him evaporated. We can remember the union leaders organised Strikes at Walls ice cream. The reason was they wanted entire labour force take lunch at same time shutting down machines.
They were given rich biriani lunch by that time.

Ultimately Walls sold the machines to Cargils and shifted their production to India. Many 100s lost jobs.

ranil wickramasinghe Friday, 24 September 2010 05:03 PM

hey babanis, shame on you and your words. We have a law, We fight it here, not there.

karu Friday, 24 September 2010 05:41 PM

Anton Marcus, You are cutting your nose to spite your face! You are sitting on your brain, chum, if you have one, that is.

Jay Ranaweera Friday, 24 September 2010 07:39 PM

Actions taken purely on jeolousy towards MR Govt will have its repurcussions against those who initiated this rotten mudslinging.People in Sri Lanka must be happy that employees either in Private or Public sector will never be terminated for saying AT WILL EMPLOYEES as in some countries.

kevin Saturday, 25 September 2010 04:29 AM

Perhaps Dr.Mervyn , Wimal. Gamampila, etc could be involved with the hearing.

TMA Saturday, 25 September 2010 09:15 AM

Certain private co.s have been abusing labour rights in Sri Lanka. Most IT employees know which co. I'm mentioning here

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US hearing next week

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