Srilankan condemns Pilots’ Guild move to launch work-to-rule campaign

■ Calls the move “self-centered” and aimed at jeopardizing airline’s operations at this critical juncture

National carrier Srilankan Airlines yesterday condemned the move by the Airline Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka (ALPGSL) to begin a work-to-rule campaign in a “selfcentered manner,” jeopardizing the airline’s operation as well as t he development efforts of the country, when Sri Lanka is looking at re-opening its doors for foreign travellers shortly.

Srilankan in a statement said it has been adopting ad-hoc flight schedules due to the pandemic in addition to responding swiftly to the needs of the government in relation to repatriation of Sri Lankans and the transportation of cargo as and when required.

“This necessitates all employees of the airline to report to work on short notice in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by authorities for the prevention of COVID-19,” the statement said.

“The ALPGSL has forced members to resort to unacceptable action by refraining from consenting to report to work on rostered off-days by refusing the duty call or being unresponsive to calls from the company,” it added.

The grievance of the ALPGSL, according to the statement issued by Srilankan is that the airline provides them with a dedicated treatment facility for members who test positive for COVID-19.

Srilankan said it has requested such a facility from the relevant authorities and is hopeful that a facility would be made available soon.

“Board and the Management of the zirline are thoroughly disappointed that one

zegment of the airline’s employees is intentionally undermining the efforts of the rest of the committed and valuable employees of the company and the determination of the Government of Sri Lanka. Jointly, the Board, Management and dedicated employees of the airline vehemently condemn these untimely and selfish actions of the ALPGSL,” the statement said.

“The national carrier has also relied on the support of the Government of Sri Lanka to get

through this difficult period, and the government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has unhesitatingly extended necessary funds in spite of the budgetary and fiscal challenges.

Therefore, it is the utmost duty of the employees to support the government in their efforts to rebuild the country. The employees of Srilankan Airlines have endured many hardships since the onset of the pandemic from having to work in a tough and unpredictable working environment whilst foregoing a percentage of their income in salary cuts,” the statement added.