One day token strike to begin tonight by Private Bus employees

The All Island Private Bus Employees Association (AIPBEA) today said that they would launch a 24-hour countrywide token strike with from midnight today against the government decision to increase spot fine up to Rs.25,000.

The spot fine is applicable for seven traffic violations. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, AIPBEA Convener U.K Kumararathna Renuka said the sudden increase of new traffic fines was not reasonable and it would be a huge threat for the private bus service.

“According to the gazette notification issued on April 2, the fine had been increased to Rs.25,000 for seven traffic offences,” Mr Renuka said. While taking part in a token strike, the AIPBEA demanded the authorities to remove the fine on traffic offences such as exceeding normal speed limit and overtaking from the left side. “Our daily wage is Rs.1,500 and the spot fine is Rs.3,000. 

If we are fined with exorbitant charges, we will not be able to look after our families,” he said.

They also demanded the removal of laws which were introduced from April 1st which stipulates private buses be painted in blue within the Western Province. Their other demands include an exemption from the carbon tax and for the authorities to nullify the regulation for drivers and conductors to wear uniforms. 

The association urged the government to suspend the implementation of the spot fines until the relevant technical equipment was fixed to the road network, Mr Renuka said. Therefore, the AIPBEA had requested all drivers to join with the protest if President Maithripala Sirisena will not intervene to provide solutions with immediate effect. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)

Video by Buddhi