The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) has raised alarm over what it describes as a haphazard reform process in the power sector carried out over the past three to four years.
Issuing a statement, the union said repeated concerns about potential dangers and alternative reform models had been ignored by authorities.
The CEBEU has observed with dismay the haphazard process of reforms of the CEB / power sector that has been going on for the last 3 or 4 years. It has brought to the notice of the relevant authorities its concerns regarding the reform process, dangerous outcomes that could result from the process undertaken and also better modalities for reform which would be net beneficial to the country. However, authorities have taken no notice of these concerns, it said.
The CEBEU stressed that its members will not bear responsibility for any chaos resulting from the reforms, but emphasized it will not obstruct the government’s decisions.
Instead, the union vowed to take all measures to protect the rights of its members and employees, particularly as jobs are threatened by the repeal of the CEB Act.
The current trade union action, which is being initiated, is to safeguard the rights of members and employees at a time when their employment is under threat. It is unfortunate that the relevant authorities have failed to adhere even to the basic rights guaranteed to employees under the Sri Lanka Electricity Act, as well as the fundamental guidelines set out in the Supreme Court determinations regarding the Electricity Act, particularly in relation to the status and welfare of employees who may lose their employment at the CEB due to the repeal of the CEB Act, it said.
The CEBEU said its current trade union action is aimed at safeguarding workers’ rights and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to the public. (Newswire)
