Mass Public Sector Sick Leave Campaign Today

Colombo (News1st): More than 250 Trade Unions in Sri Lanka's Public Sector will be on sick leave today (9), potentially crippling public services nationwide.

These include Public Management, Development Officers, Drivers, and Office Staff among other organizations.

Their primary demand is to receive an increased allowance of Rs. 25,000, as given to executive officers.

This trade union action caused significant disruptions to the operations of government departments and ministries yesterday.

Meanwhile, the general secretary of the Ceylon Teachers' Union, Joseph Starling, said the teachers and principals will engage in a sick leave protest today.

General Secretary of the University Non-Academic Employee's Union, Ajith K. Thilakarathne said that the University Non-Academic Employee's Union will also engage in trade union action by calling in sick, today.

The strike by non-academic university staff marks its 70th day today.

Their demands include an increase in monthly allowances and a reversal of a 15% salary anomaly.

Meanwhile, postal workers continue their strike for the second day today, demanding to recruit staff for vacancies at the Department of Posts, to provide permanent positions for non-permanent staff employees, and several other reasons.

Over 20,000 postal workers across Sri Lanka's 4,700 post offices and sub-offices are engaging in this trade union action.

United Postal Trade Union Front claims that this strike has resulted in the closure of 90% of post offices across the island. 

Co-Convener of the United Postal Trade Union Front, H. A. R Nihal warned that they will resort to a continuous strike if their demands are not met.