Locomotive engineers to begin strike at noon: LEOU

The Locomotive Engine Operators' Union (LEOU) is to launch trade union action from noon today over several demands, such as for not considering to give promotions in the railway services, LEOU Secretary Indika Dodangoda said.

He told the Daily Mirror that the railway's department has suspended the services of more than 80 locomotive operators who were serving their probationary period.

They were sacked for not reporting to work during the pandemic period and considering that they had left the service. The LEOU discussed these issues with the railway management continuously, but no solution has so far been reached.

Mr. Dodangoda also claimed that they have demanded the railway authorities to stop the massive fraud through the railway project office.

Therefore, the LEOU has taken a collective decision to refrain from operating the trains from noon today. Several railway trade unions, including locomotive engineers, will take part in the strike.

"A protest will be held in front of the Railways Head Quarters in the afternoon. In the first phase of the strike, all power-sets operating from the Colombo Fort will be stopped. If no response was received, the remaining trains would be stopped, "Mr. Dodangoda cautioned. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)