“Multinational companies might be behind Milco strike”

24 December 2013 05:11 pm - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Milco Company said today that multi-national companies could be operating behind the scenes to foment the strike which had been launched by a trade union of the Milco Company staff in order to disrupt the company.

“The strike which has been launched by the workers affiliated to the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya is not regarding an issue involving the staff but is being carried out according to a personal agenda.” said Milco’s deputy chairman Sanjaya Leelaratne at a media briefing.

“When we took over the management of the company it was full of corruption and misdeeds; but we took it along the correct path by instilling discipline in the staff. I wonder whether multi-national companies could be behind this strike.

Milco chairman Sunil Wickramasinghe said that they were ready to face a court of inquiry regarding the allegations of corruption but requested the workers to call off the strike and report for duty to without inconveniencing the public during the festive season.

“Strike action had been launched at four factories without prior notification. We have already fulfilled their demands. We have paid half of their bonus, and the rest will be paid in April. Workers who have served more than five years have been made permanent. The minister has promised that their jobs would be secure even if the factory is shifted from Narahenpita to Badalgama. Now that their demands have been met, they want the chairman, deputy chairman and director to resign,” he said.

Mr. Wickramasinghe said the company continued to buy milk from dairy farmers and production was going on as usual with the support of the workers who report for duty despite threats from trade union leaders. “We have lost Rs. 200 million in sales due to this strike. These strikers have damaged many of the machines in the factories as well,” he said.

The Milco branch of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, launched the strike on December 9 calling for the removal of the company management. (Ajith Siriwardana) - (Pix by Kushan Pathiraja)

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Comments - 15

Andrew Pitugala Wednesday, 25 December 2013 03:36 AM

Appoint an "IDEPENDENT" commission to inquire and report.

Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 25 December 2013 04:28 AM

One of the big man in this company is an "ACTOR"?

Lanka Shantha Wednesday, 25 December 2013 04:38 AM

It is full of greedy corruption.
How dare you people had increased the price of 1/2 Lt milk packet from Rs 40/- to Rs 55/- in one day? Does the cows eat money to give milk? Now talking about international companies.

Pundagovt Wednesday, 25 December 2013 04:40 AM

Don't try to use cheap politics to divert people whenever a genuine protest take place. This is the new trend and clever pratice used nowadays. Whenever there's a protest against someone they organize another protest in favor of them. They think the publics are utter fools. The countries polictics has gone to a such a cheap extent.

Serendib Wednesday, 25 December 2013 05:08 AM

What kind of qualifications does Sanjaya Leelaratne has to be the Deputy Chairman in a company like MILCO????? probably due to that he lost badly in contesting for the western provincial council. what kind of a country is this?????

cric Wednesday, 25 December 2013 05:29 AM

for those who dont know, Sri Lanka Nidahas
Sevaka Sangamaya is led by SLFP, the main party of the current Government.

tony Wednesday, 25 December 2013 06:41 AM

DONT EXPECT THE REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED AT ANY TIME

Don Simon Wednesday, 25 December 2013 08:38 AM

International conspiracy ?

Perumal Wednesday, 25 December 2013 09:24 AM

Why are they against corruption in this company only? They can appoint a cohort to the Board and secure sponsorship for races!

Concerned citizen Wednesday, 25 December 2013 09:25 AM

Before blaming others, please try to understand what the workers ask for. Talk to them, have a consultation, a compromise and a consensus. Understand their needs, have a fruitful conversation with them, respect them, educate them on the mission and vision of the organization and how their participation in production process can uplift their lifestyle. The HR Manager with the entire management team must make a genuine effort in that. If not it is almost the failure of the Management.

jega Wednesday, 25 December 2013 11:55 AM

How come there has been no report up to now in our news media about a strike that has been affecting the people?

Nihal Amarasekera Wednesday, 25 December 2013 01:37 PM

Correct. I did not know until I went to buy a Highland Ice cream today.

Roshan Thursday, 26 December 2013 07:48 AM

A top politician is going to take over the company.

shehan Thursday, 26 December 2013 08:26 AM

The so called deputy chairman is a person with no qualifications. He's only a political henchman. once upon a time he was famous for his weird characters in Sinhala cinema remember the "man in mud"

Jigsaw Jakson Friday, 27 December 2013 12:06 AM

Yes i remember the man clad in a mud suit, the show was called MEE HARAKA( Rat Bull). actions speak louder than words. they are wondering if multinationals are behind the strike well there chairman was employed by a big one and now on very green pasture,

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“Multinational companies might be behind Milco strike”

Comments - 15

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