Electricity workers today continued their trade union action against the restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
CEB employees reported sick to work and engaged in a strike in front of the CEB head office in Colombo today against the government’s move to divide the CEB into four entities.
The protesting electricity workers were seen holding placards calling on the authorities to protect their rights.
“This is the 13th day of our trade union action. This is the second phase, where all electricity workers have reported sick to work for two days. The employees have staged a protest in their respective area CEB offices,” the striking electricity workers said.
They further claimed that the government has failed to respond to their 28-point letter urging it to rectify issues regarding the restructuring plans, adding that they are not against the restructuring of the CEB.
The strike continues despite President Anura Kumara Dissanayake claiming earlier today that the government has only protected the rights of the CEB workers through its restructuring plan.
“We were bound by the law to implement it. But we stopped it. We then introduced a new law protecting the power industry and enabling it to operate independently. I ask the CEB workers, is it a crime to amend the old system? Is it an issue to launch a strike? Is amending the old system a violation of your rights? No. By doing so, we have protected your rights”, the President said.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further challenged those who want to strike to go ahead, adding, “They cannot work like this.” (Newswire)
