EC appeals for suspension of all strikes

The National Election Commission (NEC) yesterday called on all employees in the public sector and those working in corporations, boards, banks, and semi-government sector organizations to temporarily refrain from resorting to strike action as a national election is underway.

Issuing a statement on behalf of the Election Commission, its Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said the support of the state sector employees was imperative in order to hold a free and fair election in a transparent manner.

The Commission said while it recognizes the right of unions to engage in trade union action in a lawful manner to win rights, if the state sector employees do not work as one mechanism it could hamper the success of a national election such as the presidential polls currently underway.The Elections Commission urged all trade unions currently engaged in trade union action to call off their strikes and solve issues through discussions. It also urged government authorities to initiate discussions in order to solver worker’s issues amicably.