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Strikers won’t lift a finger, but post insists on attendance rules
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By Kasun Warakapitiya
The week-long postal union strike that has caused over Rs 165 million in losses continued yesterday amid a deadlock.
Mail piled up and people were concerned whether the mail would be safe.
Trade union action was called over 20 demands including payment of higher overtime, and employee shortages. The Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance, compsising 12 unions, put forth several demands including: A service constitution for uniformed postal officials; a new recruitment procedure for junior inspectors, sub-post masters, sorting officers, and drivers, in line with the new constitution; the permanent appointment of all acting or substitute external labourers; expediting the recruitment and promotion process for officers of all grades, including external labourers; resolving issues with overtime services and calculations, and not acting on the Postmaster General’s instructions for these; resolving issues within the transport system; increasing travel allowances; stopping delays in payments and increasing the salary of Grade One officers in three stages.
Badulla post office. Pic by Palitha Ariyawansa
The government said discussions will only be held if strikers agree to mark attendance using the fingerprint system.
As the strike dragged on for a sixth consecutive day, Sri Lanka Post decided to move the already sorted mail at the central mail exchange with the support of the army and police. This led to a tense situation as unions and the authorities clashed over the custody of the mail. Police, military and army buses were used to transport the mail to main and sub stations.
In its wake, the Ceylon Teachers Union and the Frontline Socialist Party too, arrived at the central mail exchange to express their displeasure over the treatment of trade unions.
The CTU General Secretary, Joseph Starlin condemned the government’s actions against trade union action.
The Post Master General Ruwan Sathkumara explained that this measure was taken after he issued a letter to say salaries will not be paid to those who do not report to work, and if employees continue to strike they would be considered as having vacated their posts.
The letter called on employees to immediately report to work.
He said that he does not wish to take actions that would affect the livelihood of employees, yet would take strong decisions if the strike persists.
Mr. Sathkumara indicated that the Minister, Dr Nalinda Jayaathissa, is willing to meet the unions in a couple of days if the unions agree to use the fingerprint system.
He emphasised that the employees should follow regulations and there should be a transparent way to record their overtime, so that it could be properly calculated and cut excessive expenditure.
While the postal authorities have asked the employees to return to work, the postal trade unions slammed the postmaster and subject minister claiming that they have not said they cannot punch their finger print.
He said strikers want a meeting with the postmaster general and minister yet the government had not yet considered their request to hear their grievances.
The Convener of the Joint Postal trade union Alliance Chinthaka Bandara said that the strike will continue despite government interruptions and intimidation.
He noted willingness to meet Dr Jayatissa to discuss their demands, even agreeing to punch the fingerprint, but there was no response.
He condemned taking mail out of the main postal building by use of force.
If demands are not met and intimidation and other tactics are used, the strike will be broadened with other unions involved, he said.
While both parties are slamming each other, Sri Lankans are at the receiving end.
A senior official said that other than the immediate loss of revenue, the loss of faith in the service would be negative. He pointed out that after the strike is resolved, the same employees would likely request overtime pay to clear the backlog
Meanwhile Health Minister and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa, who oversees the Postal Department noted that many recruitments are already underway and about a thousand newly recruited personnel are being made permanent. He added that the ministry also hopes to acquire Rs. 250 million worth of vehicles for the postal service.
The Minister said discussions were ongoing with the Postmaster General and the ministry secretary. Of the 20 demands made, 17 are currently being addressed. He explained that the two major remaining issues are related to fingerprint attendance and overtime pay. If the unions agree to use fingerprint scanners at the Central Mail Exchange and accept the government’s overtime proposal, the ministry would consider their other demands and work toward a full resolution.
| Strike takes toll on revenue-earning iconic post office
Pointing out that much needed foreign revenue is being lost as a result of the closure, residents are calling on the authorities to find a solution to the strike.
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