Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union calls off strike

The Sri Lanka Railways Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union has reportedly called off their strike with immediate effect.

The union had decided to call of their strike following discussions with the relevant authorities today (13 Sep.), during which their demands were met with a favourable response, Ada Derana learns.

Accordingly, all railway operations are expected to return to normalcy by tomorrow afternoon (14 Sep.), the Locomotive Operating Engineers’ Union assured.

The trade union launched a strike at midnight on Monday (11 Sep.) over several key demands including the amendments to the recruitment process and promotions, which they claim fell on deaf ears for nearly five years.

Hundreds of commuters were afflicted by the trade unions, as more than 100 train journeys were cancelled after locomotive operating engineers withdrew from duties, forcing several passengers to train-surf on overcrowded trains, while others were left stranded at railway stations.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Tuesday (12 Sep.) issued a gazette notification last evening (12) declaring the public transport services for passengers or goods and the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by railway lines as essential services with immediate effect under the Essential Public Service Act.