Education Co-operative Society employees threaten to launch strike

Education Co- operative Society employees are threatening to launch trade union action, and halt financial services provided to more than 220,000 education sector employees.

This week, the Education Co- operative Trade Union Confederation held a token strike as their Rs 10,000 allowances have not been granted since 2018. They demanded authorities to provide the Rs. 5000 of f e red by the

Government to all state sector employees.

N a n d a n a H ew a g e , Convener of the union, said about 220,000 education sector employees ranging from teachers and university lecturers to non-academic staff have applied for loans and maintain saving accounts.

“We maintain Rs. 4.3 billion in deposits and there is a Rs. 1300 million cash flow on a monthly basis. Many education employees have applied for loans due to the low interest rates. Due to the present financial crisis, many are applying for loans,” he said.

He also said the society provides financial assistance for children of members as well.

He said if the State Ministry of Co- operatives fails to meet the demands of 938 employees, they will launch an indefinite strike halting all services provided in the head office and all 21 district offices.