If favourable response not received: Station Masters’ Union

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

The sudden railway trade union action, which was launched by the Railway Station Masters’ Union (RSMU) would continue if the authorities did not provide favourable responses to their demands.  

The RSMU launched a 24-hour token strike on Wednesday night (12) over several demands, including the arbitrary cancellation of long-distance train services without prior notice,   

While making people more inconvenienced, the Railway Station Masters’ Union (RSMU) launched a 24-hour token strike on Wednesday night (12) based on several demands, improper administration of the railway staff, non-implementation of the normal train schedule, and non-implementation of orders issued by the State Minister.   
According to the Railways General Manager (GMR) J.I.D. Jayasundara said more than 80 office trains were operated last morning.

The RSMU began their strike on Wednesday at midnight. As a result, the Executive Committee of the RSMU has decided to stay away from all duties pertaining to Station Masters.   

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, more trains were to be assigned to facilitate the office crowd that arrived yesterday morning by train, the GMR said.   

“Two trains are to be assigned to Jaffna, Kandy, and Chilaw today while increasing the number of train services.
Yesterday we operated the highest number of trains during trade union action, “he said.   

“There is a shortage of railway staff and due to that, sudden action had to be taken to cancel certain train services, including bookings. We have requested additional staff. As soon as we receive the additional staff, all issues relating to the train services will be solved, “ he said.   

“The booked tickets will be refunded to each commuter. The Railway Station Masters’ Union (RSMU) had inconvenienced the commuters. This is a an act of sabotage and people should not be put under pressure,” he said.   

The railway’s department, on the other hand, has decided to increase the number of trains operating tomorrow.   
He said the GMR and the railway administration should bear the responsibility for the loss incurred to the department and the inconvenience caused to the commuters.  

• There is a shortage of railway staff and due to that, sudden action had to be taken to cancel certain train services, including bookings