CEB unions reject gazette

Trade union action to Continue over consumer rights: CEWU

Union calls for another round of discussions with the govt. and CEB employees to resolve issues

Ceylon Electricity Workers’ Union (CEWU) General Secretary Prabath Priyantha has warned the government that the union does not recognise the extraordinary gazette declaring all electricity-related services as essential. He said the trade union action will continue until justice is ensured for CEB consumers.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said all senior officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will no longer be responsible to the Minister, Ministry Secretary, General Manager, or Chairman, effective immediately, following their withdrawal from the reorganisation and procurement committees last night. This situation will continue until Wednesday (24), with discussions planned today on further actions beyond that date. He emphasised that the union’s efforts should not be seen as a sign of weakness or a waste of time.

Priyantha added that the union has decided to intensify its action following the government’s issuance of the gazette, effective from Sunday night. In protest over unresolved demands, several unions withdrew from all procurement duties. “The main objective of this trade union action is to protect the future of electricity consumers, prevent inconveniences in the country, and avoid another blackout. We urge the government to reach a middle ground without pushing CEB workers into a situation that could trigger another power outage,” he said.

He further criticised the government’s move, saying, “We are not surprised by the gazette declaring all electricity-related services as essential. Electricity is an essential service, but the union questions why the government is separating the CEB while moving toward privatisation. We do not consider this gazette binding and urge the government not to use it as a weapon, as has happened under previous administrations.”

The union is calling for another round of discussions with the government and CEB employees to resolve the issues. The action has escalated the ongoing “work-to-rule” campaign, now entering its third phase. President of the CEB Technical Engineers’ Association, Kosala Abeysinghe, said further discussions are planned to address the dispute, which involves 24 key demands, including overdue promotions, salary adjustments, and removal of the cap on voluntary retirement benefits.

The government’s decision to classify electricity services as essential was taken under presidential powers to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and minimise disruptions to daily life. The gazette claimed the critical nature of electricity services and the need to prevent any hindrance to their delivery.

Currently, 25 unions are participating in the action, including those affiliated with major opposition parties and engineering associations. Recent measures have included sick leave protests, work-to-rule campaigns, and public demonstrations. Negotiations between union representatives and CEB management, led by Chairman Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, have so far seen limited progress, with only seven out of 42 registered unions attending the most recent talks.

As the dispute continues, the government has reiterated its commitment to restructuring the CEB under the recently passed Electricity Act, which will divide the board into four state-owned companies. Many union demands focus on securing benefits and protections during this restructuring process.