Ministry directive slashing OT payment by half, withdrawn

The Ministry of Labour and Trade Union Relations this week recalled an internal directive issued by its Secretary, to employees, that overtime (OT) payments would be slashed by half with immediate effect, as there is an apparent shortage of funds to pay them.

Minister of Labour W.D.J. Seneviratna told the Sunday Times that he had instructed his Ministry Secretary to withdraw that directive, as he was not consulted prior to that decision. "There were some adjustments to be made on utilising funds for various Depts. within the Ministry. Therefore, the Secretary took some initiatives to address those shortcomings. However, the issue has been resolved now,"

Staff attached to the Labour Ministry expressed displeasure when informed of the new directive on Wednesday. They alleged millions are being spent on other ministry initiatives such as foreign trips for senior officials and for capacity building, while the ministry slashes funds for their OT payments.

Ministry Secretary Nimal Saranathissa, who issued the directive, said the matter has been addressed by withdrawing it, but refused to comment on what basis such a directive was issued.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Labour, R.P.A. Wimalaweera told the Sunday Times that he did not receive such a directive from the Secretary's office, adding, the directive was issued only for Ministry employees, and not for other Depts of the Ministry.

There were some adjustments to be made on utilising funds for various Depts. within the Ministry. Therefore, the Secretary took some initiatives to address those shortcomings. However, the issue has been resolved now