Deputy Labour Minister assures immediate action over ETF salary issues

Colombo, May 23 (Daily Mirror) - Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe today assured swift action to resolve the salary-related grievances of employees at the Employees' Trust Fund (ETF), following a heated protest and urgent discussions with trade union representatives.

The assurance came after a meeting was held this evening between the Deputy Minister and ETF Board trade union members, during which several discrepancies in salary payments were brought to light. 

According to union representatives, some employees had not received the recent salary increments granted to state sector workers, while others experienced a reduction in their basic salaries with some reportedly facing cuts as steep as 30 percent.

Tensions escalated earlier in the day when ETF employees staged a protest outside the ETF headquarters, denouncing the alleged decision by ETF Chairman Somasiri Ekanayaka to slash salaries.

In response, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe immediately contacted Commissioner General Ekanayaka over the phone to discuss the concerns raised by employees. He also reached out to the Department of Management Services in an effort to expedite a resolution.

Following these discussions, the Deputy Minister assured the protesting employees and trade union members that immediate steps will be taken to rectify the situation and restore fair salary practices at the ETF.

The Ministry is expected to announce further measures in the coming days, as consultations with relevant departments and officials continue.