Token strike by Customs trade unions on Thursday

All the Customs Trade Unions decided yesterday to conduct a token strike tomorrow (15) in protest at Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake’s moves and to propose amendments to the Customs Ordinance.

The general secretary of the All Ceylon Customs Services Union, J. Gunatilleke said the Finance Minister was planning to abolish the present Customs Ordinance that protects the country and the people, and to implement a new legislation to please local and foreign racketeers.

He said that the Finance Minister had refused to discuss the issues with the trade unions.

“Earlier this organisation requested to have discussions with the minster on several occasions and he declined. Another meeting was requested last evening and the minister cancelled it,” Mr. Gunatilleke said.

As a last resort, all the customs unions decided to launch a token strike after informing the Director General of Customs, Chulananda Perera yesterday.

However, those assigned to the two airport passenger terminals, the air cargo exporting section, the unaccompanied passenger baggage unit (UPB) and several other important sections will be exempted from participating in the strike.

As a last resort, all the customs unions decided to launch a token strike after informing the Director General of Customs, Chulananda Perera yesterday