CEB trade unions to stage six-hour token strike today

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions are scheduled to launch a token strike from noon to 6.00 p.m. today (26), over lack of response from authorities to their demands.

Trade unions have notified the decision in a letter addressed to the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody.

According to the letter, no positive response has been received so far regarding the eight demands put forward by the trade unions.

A discussion held on February 10 at the Ministry of Finance under the patronage of the Minister of Energy, with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Finance and the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, ended without agreement, the trade unions stated in the letter.

Furthermore, a separate discussion held on February 16 between trade union representatives and the Chairman of the CEB also concluded without a resolution, it said.

In view of the continued delay in addressing what they described as reasonable and justified demands, the unions stated that there was no alternative but to resort to trade union action.

The letter further noted that the employees of the CEB and the trade unions representing them will not be responsible for any adverse consequences arising from the strike, and that full responsibility should be borne by the Minister in charge of the subject and the current government.

Meanwhile, the black armband protest launched by customs trade unions will continue today (26) as well, the Customs Trade Union Alliance said.

The Alliance noted that the decision to intensify trade union action will be decided based on the outcome of today’s scheduled discussion with the Deputy Minister of Finance regarding the demands.

The Vice President of the Customs Officers’ Association, Geethanjana Madapatha also confirmed that the trade union action of wearing black armbands while performing official duties, which began on February 24 remains in effect.