TNA & LSSP join strike action
SUNDAY, 12 MAY 2013
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has stated that it will support the all island strike action called by the Coordinating Committee for Trade Union Alliance on the 21st to oppose the increase of electricity tariffs. This was stated at a discussion held between the TNA and the Coordinating Committee for Trade Union Alliance.
The discussion was held with the leaders of TNA on the 10th under the programme by the Coordinating Committee to rally support of political parties, trade unions, civil organizations and other organizations for the island wide strike on the 21st.
Parliamentarians Mawei Senathiraja, Sumanthiran and M.K. Sivajilingam participated on behalf of the TNA said a spokesman for the Coordinating Committee.
Meanwhile, trade unions of the LSSP too have expressed their willingness to join the strike action states the Coordinating Committee. He said the members of Lanka Trade Union Federation headed by its President T.M.R. Rasdeen would join the strike.
Teachers & Principals to join strike on 21st
SUNDAY, 12 MAY 2013
The Teacher-Principal Trade Unions Joint Committee stated that teachers and principals will join the strike action organized by the Coordinating Committee for Trade Union Alliance on the 21st to oppose the increase of electricity tariffs. This was stated at a media conference held at Hotel Nippon today (12th).
The General Secretary of Lanka Teacher Services Union (LTSU) Mahinda Jayasinghe addressing the media said, "Teachers have not received any salary increase since 2005 except for a few allowances. As such, the increase in electricity tariffs would be a serious situation. Issues regarding salary anomalies have continued since 1997. Two struggles were carried out last year. The teachers have not received any promotions. They have worked without promotions since 2010. 225000 teachers carry out their services under such pathetic conditions.
It is in such a situation that the electricity tariffs are increased. Normally teachers consume more than 90 units. As such, teachers' trade unions have decided to join the token strike called by the Coordinating Committee for Trade Union Alliance on the 21st if the increased tariffs are not withdrawn.
We have informed Secretaries of Ministries of Education and Provincial Councils in writing that we would join the token strike. The government tries to deceive the masses by bringing in various amendments. We say the whole increased package should be withdrawn. We would join the protest march against the tariff hike to be held on the 15th.
During our struggles the government attempted to repress them through intimidation and terror tactics. Now police have been asked to collect lists of trade union leaders in certain areas. We would want to know why gentlemen in the police need lists of trade union leaders. We say such petty acts would not be able to defeat our activities and struggles. We would dedicate ourselves to defeat vile actions of the government and make the struggle on the 21st a total success."
The Member of the Central Committee of Principals Services Union Sudath Asalalal and Ven. Seelananda Thera of Piriven Teacher Services Union also addressed the media.
