Railway Unions warn of strike action

Railway Trade Union Alliance (RTUA) warned that they would stage another railway strike if all the casual employees of the Railway Department were not made permanent immediately.

Alliance Co-Convener S.P. Withanage told Daily Mirror that they would request for a quick discussion to the solution to this employee crisis with Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga.

“There is an alleged move to recruit more employees in such a situation where there are existing casual, temporary and contract employees in the Railway department who have not been made permanent for more than five years in various sections, numbering nearly 1,500,” Mr.Withanage said.

He further said that his Alliance was not against the recruitment of new employees for the existing vacancies after making permanent the relevant casual employees who work in the Railway Department at present. He has sent letters to the Minister bringing the issue to his notice.

“However, if the authorities are attempting to make political appointments, we will not hesitate to go for strike action,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)