Public service trade unions threaten continuous strike

Public Service Trade Unions have issued a stern warning to authorities, stating that if their demands are not met by the end of today, they will convene in Colombo tomorrow, July 10, to decide on their next steps.

The trade unions have emphasized their determination, declaring they are not prepared to relent after their current two-day campaign. They have signaled their readiness to escalate the situation into a continuous strike.

The 'Sick Leave' campaign, initiated by 200 public sector trade unions, is now in its second consecutive day. The unions are demanding a Rs. 20,000 salary increase and a salary revision to Rs. 25,000 to match that of executive officers.

Launched yesterday, the two-day strike includes participation from various trade unions representing postal workers, Grama Niladharis, surveyors, Samurdhi officers, District and Divisional Secretaries, and education officers.

The strike has significantly impacted public services, leaving most public offices deserted as non-executive level workers have not reported for duty. This absence has caused severe inconvenience to the public.

Joseph Stalin, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU), reported that teachers and principals across all schools are participating in the strike, resulting in widespread sick leave today and disrupting the academic activities of school children.