1 March 2022 06:24 pm
Health professionals belong to 17 trade unions have decided to launch a Trade Union action starting from 8.00 am tomorrow (2).
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, President of the Federation of Health Professionals Ravi Kumudesh said the Health Ministry has failed to come up with concrete solutions to their seven grievances as promised.
“Though they have received a letter from the Health Ministry, it does not clearly articulate that their grievances are being met. According to the letter, Health Ministry hopes to appoint a committee,” he said.
“However, it is blurred that our demands are met in the near future, which compelled them to resort to a trade union action,” he added.
The strike which went on for nine consecutive days, was called off temporarily for two weeks on February 15 until they were assured of President's intervention to resolve the issues.
Ravi Kumudesh said they were not assured of President's intervention.
However, he said the Govt. Nursing Officers' Association, which is one of trade unions would not participate in the strike action due to the enjoining order issued by the Colombo District Court recently.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said a trade union action will definitely annoy and provoke the general public in such a situation where people are trampled with a plethora of issues, including fuel scarcity.
Deputy Director General of Health Ministry (Medical Services) Dr. G. Wijesuriya while speaking to the Daily Mirror said, it was a grave injustice to go on a strike at this critical juncture.
“We as the Health Ministry have pledged solutions to some of their grievances. However, it is not possible for us to grant solutions for each and every demand they come out with overnight, as the current situation does not facilitate to do so, and it is also a great injustice for workers in other sectors,” he argued. (Sheain Fernandopulle)