Talks with officials fail, strike to continue

Railway trade unions say the strike action launched yesterday will continue after talks with officials failed.

Secretary of the Locomotive Engine Drivers Union Indika Dodangoda speaking to NewsRadio said solutions were not provided to certain demands discussed during the meeting with the Secretary to the President, officials of the Ministry of Transport and officials of the Department of Railways this morning.

Dodangoda said solutions were provided to the matter related to the employment of engine drivers assistants outside the stipulated recruitment process.

However Dodangoda said demands pertaining to salary anomalies and pension schemes did not receive a favourable response, therefore leading to a decision to continue the strike.

Several more trade unions joined the strike over salary anomalies and pension schemes.

Accordingly Railway Station Masters, Controllers and guards also joined the union action.

The strike was launched in opposition to the employment of engine drivers assistants outside the stipulated recruitment process among several demands.