Postal strike continues as talks fail

Following the failure of discussions with Minister Abdul Haleem last evening, the Joint Postal Trade Union (JPTU) has decided to continue its strike indefinitely.

The JPTU launched a 48-hour token strike at 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday at CME over three demands. They demand to convert the postal service into a ‘closed service’ which would enable the department to independently decide salaries and matters pertaining to recruitment.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, JPTU Convener Chinthaka Bandara said the minister called for a meeting at 6.00 p.m. yesterday. However, the union had decided to boycott the meeting as the minister had assigned police officers to work at the Central Mail Exchange (CME) yesterday.

“More than two million mails have been stuck at the CME. Employees attached to the Postal Department point out that the circular (6/2006) has had an adverse impact on their promotions and other benefits,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister said the demands of postal workers would be discussed during the next parliamentary session.(Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Video by Damith