The trade union action launched by the Railways Engine Drivers’ Union has been called off.
According to the Railways Trade Unions, the decision was taken following a discussion with the Railways Managing Director today.
The trade union action was launched last evening (23 July), resulting in the cancellation of several evening trains plying to outstation areas from Colombo.
The trade union action was reportedly launched against the duty rosters of engine drivers.
The move resulted in the cancellation of 11 Office train services this morning as well, while the union had warned of the possibility of the cancellation of 20 train services this evening.
Earlier in the day, Minister of Transportation Bandula Gunawardena warned that severe action will be taken at the Cabinet level against the Railway trade union actions being launched inconveniencing the public.
Speaking to reporters in Colombo, Minister Gunawardena stated that the Railway Unions had been warned to refrain from launching strikes that could affect the public.
“The Railway unions have been instructed to reach out to the Railways Managing Director or the Transportation Ministry Secretary to resolve issues. If they can’t do so, I have told them to reach out to me directly and I will resolve the issue, even if it has to be taken to the Cabinet. But if the public is inconvenienced then I will have to resort to stringent action,” he said. (NewsWire)