Majority of state sector employees dislike attending the forth-coming token strike

Leading political parties and the government express a various ideas on the forth-coming token strike.
However majority of workers who suffer from the prevailing economic conditions said that they want to continue their employment without any obstruction of the trade unions and other political henchmen. They stressed that the proposed strike is unreasonable by all means.
“We do not need strikes or protests, but need higher salary to face the current economy, said an ex- trade unionist of a state owned venture.
Meanwhile twenty-three teacher unions including the Sri Lanka Nidahas teachers’ union said they are not taking part in the strike action proposed to be held on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo on Tuesday the union’s General Secretary N.Fernando said the strike action is a political plot. He said the JVP and the UNP are calling for this strike action not for the rights of workers but in an effort to hide their failures. He requests all employees of the education sector to not take part in the strike since sharing is an indirect support to terrorism.

Ceylon Railway Services Trade Union Joint Alliance also says they will not attend in the proposed strike. Chief Organizer of the alliance D.M.D. Abeyrathne said their alliance does not support strikes aimed at gaining political objectives.

Chairman of the Omni bus owners association Gemunu Wijerathne said that his association will not take part in Thursday’s strike. The estate unit of the Nidhas Sevaka Sangamaya will also not join the strike action according to its General Secretary P.G. Chandrasena.
Minister Maithreepala Sirisena requested the Labour community to reject strikes and join the government at this moment of eradicating terrorism. He noted that the UNP and the JVP, which are battling internal party issues, are attempting to use the working masses as baits for their political gain. Speaking at a press conference held in held Colombo today the Minister stressed that the blessings of all are essential to ensure the victory of the heroic war heroes who are fighting for a unitary country.
Also speaking at the conference Minister Dalas Alahapperuma said that the government does not attempt to cut down on the rights of the working people. He said the government has already reached a policy decision to increase the salaries of government employees.
Labour Minister Mervin Silva said Strike which is supposed to held on the 10th which is organized by some trade unions is baseless and un-ethical. Minister further said the country is facing a terrorist problem at present. Forces are engaged in brave act of eradicating terrorism from this country. At this juncture, it is unreasonable to organize a strike of this nature. A strike of this nature will only help the LTTE terrorist indirectly. Therefore minister requested the relevant trade unions to refrain from organizing these strikes at this moment.