Another union to join on-going CEB strike

The Ceylon Electricity Board Technological Engineers and Superintendent Union today announced that it will collectively engage in a strike action with the other Ceylon Electricity Board Trade Unions, if suitable solutions are not provided to their demands.

When inquired by NewsRadio a spokesman for the Union said among the number of issues that raise concern, is the formalization of the Joint Engineering services.

The Ceylon Electricity Board Technological Engineers and Superintendent Union said if relevant authorities do not provide a suitable response it will join the strike action from midnight tomorrow.

NewsRadio also made inquires in this regard from the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy.

Accordingly speaking to NewsRadio the Media Spokesman for the Ministry Sulakshana Jayawardene said a special discussion will be held tomorrow to discuss the union’s concerns.

Jayawardene said he is confident of providing a suitable solution by the conclusion of the discussion.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy has decided to grant officers of the Ceylon Electricity Board paid leave for the two days they engaged in trade union action.

Subject Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya requested all officers of the CEB to report to work, following which efforts will be taken to provide solutions to the concerns they raised.

Minister Siyambalapitiya said he would like to extend a special invitation to those CEB employees who are engaged in the trade union action adding that the unions have claimed that the strike is not based on an issue with the government, its policies or against the ministry but an internal one.

The Minister said the ministry has to question the motive of this trade action adding that therefore it is unfair to inconvenience the general public.

He requested the employees to report to work tomorrow adding that he has informed the CEB to disregard the absence of work over the past few days.

Minister Siyambalapitiya asked the offices to report to work on Monday and the parties concerned can hold discussions and come to an amicable solution.