A crucial trade union discussion is scheduled for today, during which a decision regarding the recent suspension of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) employees is set to be reached.
Approximately 100 trade unions from across the country are anticipated to participate in the meeting, organized under the leadership of the CEB trade unions.
Simultaneously, civil society organizations are gearing up for a protest campaign in front of the CEB Head Office at 12:00 p.m. today, expressing dissent against the interdiction of employees by the CEB.
The controversy stems from the suspension of 15 clerical staff members on 15 January, responsible for cash counters, for inconveniencing customers by closing windows and refusing bill payments. Subsequently, on 20 January, an additional 51 CEB employees were interdicted for obstructing services during a three-day protest against the proposed restructuring of the state-owned electricity supplier. This brought the total number of interdicted employees to 66.
Prior to the trade union action, the CEB management, through a circular, revoked the leave of all employees effective from January 02. Exceptions were made for urgent matters, allowing employees to take leave with the approval of an executive officer in their respective division or branch.
The outcome of today's trade union meeting is highly anticipated, as it holds the potential to influence the course of action taken against the interdicted CEB employees and may shed light on the ongoing tensions surrounding the proposed restructuring of the state-owned electricity supplier.
