GMOA EXTENDS ITS SOLIDARITY TO RAILWAY STRIKE

SAYS WILL SUPPORT IF STRIKERS’ JOBS CAME UNDER THREAT

In a new turn of events, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said yesterday that it could intervene in the issue between the Railways Department and the striking trade unions in the event the actions taken by the authorities turn out to be a threat to the labour Rights of the employees.

GMOA Secretary Dr. Naveen de Zoysa said with the Gazette notification issued by President Maithripala Sirisena declaring railways as Essential Service, there was a threat to the employment of TU members.

However, he said that his union would come forward in support of them in such an event.

He said this after the railway trade unions had met with the GMOA and discussed the matter.

Meanwhile, despite the Gazette notification issued on Friday (08) declaring the railways as an Essential Service, the Railway Trade Union Alliance (RTUA) yesterday said its work stoppage would continue.

The RTUA had resort to a work stoppage from Thursday (7) midnight demanding the Government to abolish the Act that was used to recruit Assistant Engine Drivers at a higher salary scale as it went against the existing Railway Department’s recruitment procedure.

His union would come forward in support of them in such an event. He said this after the railway trade unions had met with the GMOA and discussed the matter Gazette notification issued by President Maithripala Sirisena declaring railways as Essential Service, there was a threat to the employment of TU members

RTUA Convener Indika Dodangoda said so far the talks had failed and therefore it would further continue its TU action.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror he said they had been reported of an alleged plan to seal union premises and arrest union leaders. “However we will not step back until the demands were met,” he said. Thousands of commuters were stranded at railway stations facing severe inconveniences due to the strike over the weekend.

Many passengers returning from home to Colombo after the weekend are believed to be highly inconvenienced because of the strike.