Joseph Stalin |
Stalin who was representing the Government, Semi- Government and Private Trade Unions Collective Committee said that protesting was a fundamental right and the government should not involve the courts and take away the rights of the people.
Stalin made these remarks with regard to an interim order issued by the Colombo District Court yesterday (27) preventing the 48 hour strike organized by the Health Services Trade Union Alliance, urging the Health Ministry to fulfil various demands put forward by the Unions.
The order was issued following a petition filed against the strike by a patient.
Joseph Stalin went on to say that around 40 Unions were engaged in the strike action, which was a token strike, adding that the government should not have gone to the extent of involving the courts in this issue.
He stated that due notice had been given with regard to the strike, while attempts had also been made by the Unions to hold discussions with the Ministry of health in this regard.
Stalin added that this action by the government is a violation of their rights and added that courts cannot interfere in issues faced by the Trade Unions as per Article 12 of the Labour Law. (Ceylon Today Online)
By Zahra Imtiaz
CT
Demands of the striking TUs
By Saman Rathnapriya
1/ Transport and
disturbance allowance for staff. Rs.10000 per month (equal to 80USD )
2/ To get
increase extra duty allowance starting from Rs.200 per an hour ( 1.5
USD)
3/ Telephone
allowance for special grade officers Rs.4000 (32 USD)
4/ Duty free
vehicle permit for grade one and special grade officials.
5/ Get corrected
salary amorally caused technical service staff due to implement of 2008/7 public
administration circular.
6/ Grade 01
promotion for higher category services as ministry allowed for lower category
staff in the ministry.
Based on these
demands joint council of nursing –psm- paramedics services in government health
service launched a one day sick leave campaign in November 01 2013. After that
having several rounds of discussion with ministry staff found no effect for
above demands. Hence the said trade union alliance decided to conduct 2 days
sick leave campaign on November 27/28 and it is going on this
moment.
Based on this
trade union campaign Sri Lankan government used their judicial power to curb
Trade union action. Court order issued to influence the ongoing
action.
Apart from that
government is using its media mechanism to suppress strike staff.