Trade Unions write to UN

13 June 2011 02:42 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A group of powerful trade union federations representing workers in the apparel industry and the health sector have complained to the United Nations seeking an intervention against the restrictions imposed by the government on trade union activity.

In a complaint to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the unions allege that the fundamental right of the workers to strike has been curtailed and activists are regularly intimidated.

These actions violate the principals of the ILO conventions, they say.

"These violations deal with restricting the right to engage in legitimate trade union action, intimidation of trade union activists and acts of anti-union discriminations in the public health sector," the letter to the ILO director general said.

Health authorities

Thushara Ilangakoon of Health Services Trade Union Alliance (HSTUA), Anotn Marcus of Trade Union Confederation (TUC) and Saman Ratnapriya of Government Nursing Officers Association in their complain urge the ILO to direct the Sri Lanka government to "stop all acts of anti-union discriminations".

The trade unions complain that health authorities are victimising activists engaged in trade union actions.

Instead of bargaining in good faith and responding to the issues raised the trade unions say 'the government choose to intimidate and threaten'.

They urge the ILO to direct Sri Lanka government not to selectively deprive the release from service, and not to engage in determining, influencing and/or exerting pressure on the HSTUA in its decision, who should be its nominee to be released from service for fulltime union work, among other concerns.

In 1951 the ILO set up the Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) for the purpose of examining complaints about violations of freedom of association, whether or not the country concerned had ratified the relevant conventions.

If the CFA decides to receive the case, it establishes the facts in dialogue with the government concerned.

If it finds that there has been a violation of freedom of association standards or principles, it issues a report through the governing body and makes recommendations on how the situation could be remedied.

Governments are subsequently requested to report on the implementation of its recommendations.

Source: BBC Sinhala

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Comments - 21

Roshan Monday, 13 June 2011 06:27 AM

Govt thinks that they can do anything with 2/3rd majority in the Parliament.

CountryFirst Tuesday, 14 June 2011 02:27 AM

illagena kanawa kiyanne mekata thamai! ane harak rala!!!!

kane Monday, 13 June 2011 05:34 PM

The government should think about it.

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 13 June 2011 04:51 PM

Its a real shame that the people, who are supposed to live in a democratic country, have to plead with international agencies even to enjoy their basic rights. It is now obvious that this country has ceased to be a democracy in practice and being ruled by a family dictatorship.

IVJ Monday, 13 June 2011 02:00 PM

Guys, if you've elected a govt. of this kind, you deserve all these. You short sighted people, you just elect govt. not on merits, but for a mere loaf of bread.

Mifaz Monday, 13 June 2011 01:18 PM

Are tamils not Sri Lankan??

Yehiya- Doha Monday, 13 June 2011 01:05 PM

End of regime.

Aru Monday, 13 June 2011 10:34 AM

This is a 'democratic country' and employees should not be denied the right to engage in legitimate trade union action. Intimidation of trade union activists and acts of anti-union discrimination should be stopped forthwith by dictators at the helm. Sri Lanka is not ruled by another Hitler.

ind Monday, 13 June 2011 07:01 AM

Also they are the people who are demanding more salaries too !!

ind Monday, 13 June 2011 07:00 AM

Useless. They don't have time to work for their company or department. All wasting time on roads and other places and get the salary at the end of the month.

suresh Monday, 13 June 2011 06:39 AM

if all unions are begging from UN like this, what will happen to country's independancy?????

RAVI Monday, 13 June 2011 03:38 AM

GOOD MOVE WE NEED THIS JOIND HAND WITH US WE WILL HELP YOU..

TMA Monday, 13 June 2011 06:05 AM

So R they traitors for complaining the foreigners, instead of solving the problems in their own

trinco Monday, 13 June 2011 05:49 AM

The govt will say: "The UN? No! The LLRC can look into this!!"

mohan Monday, 13 June 2011 05:30 AM

i hope now Sinhalese brother understand why Tamil asking for UN investigation of war crime. unfortunately justice barred in sri Lanka.

Kapila Monday, 13 June 2011 05:25 AM

we are always with you ... always...

amawaka m Monday, 13 June 2011 05:09 AM

remove emergency. then it will be bright.

kane Monday, 13 June 2011 04:54 AM

Has the governance in the country gone to that extend that the people have to plead for outside help?

DHA Monday, 13 June 2011 04:11 AM

Common guys....why tap the door of your neighbour to solve your own problems.........

darmasena Monday, 13 June 2011 03:47 AM

good move

Brenan Monday, 13 June 2011 03:46 AM

OMG why the hell a they are doing this to UN, we already have other problems to sort out..,.are these sri lankan or tamils damn..

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Trade Unions write to UN

Comments - 21

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