Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said Tuesday he is willing to meet with postal trade unions only if they agree to government decisions on fingerprint attendance and overtime pay.
Jayatissa said even brief work stoppages cause financial losses for the Department of Posts and warned that prolonged strikes could strain the treasury and affect future salary and overtime payments.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held today, Jayatissa said that the government has resolved 17 out of the 19 demands placed by the postal trade unions.
“However, the demands regarding fingerprint recording and overtime allowances are unacceptable and will not be entertained. Certain groups with various political affiliations are objecting to fingerprint recording. Those who do not agree to the system can look for employment elsewhere,” he said.
Postal workers launched an island-wide strike on Sunday (17) over 19 demands, including changes to overtime allowances and the withdrawal of a biometric fingerprint system. The walkout has disrupted core services nationwide.
Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara has defended the fingerprint system, saying audits revealed widespread claims of pay and overtime without attendance verification. He described the strike as unreasonable, noting that most of the unions’ demands have already been addressed.
No timeline has been set for a resolution, and the unions have not responded to Jayatissa’s offer. (Newswire)