15 January 2024 08:37 pm Views - 1771
Dr. Haritha Aluthge, Secretary of the GMOA, asserted that 50% of the wage demands made by the protesting trade unions have already been fulfilled.
Addressing the contentious issue of the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance for doctors, Dr. Aluthge revealed that only 15% of the requested increment has been received by doctors so far.
He pointed out that despite the government meeting half of the demands, the protesting health workers continue to push for higher salaries.
“Their demand was to increase the salaries of government employees by Rs. 20,000. They have received Rs. 10,000 so far. It means that 50% of their demands are completed,” stated Dr. Aluthge, emphasizing the progress made in meeting the union's financial requests.
Dr. Aluthge further criticized the protesting health workers, highlighting the majority's position in the secondary and primary grades of government service, contrasting them with doctors in the senior grade.
In contrast to the widespread strike, the All Ceylon Nurses’ Union has opted to refrain from participating in the strike action, choosing instead to conduct a demonstration in front of government hospitals during lunchtime on the scheduled strike day.