NWSDB contract workers demand permanent employment

Colombo, July 12 (Daily Mirror) - Employees working on contract basis for manpower companies at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) sites and offices around the country are demanding permanent employment.

They claimed that about 2,000 workers have been working across the country for the NWSDB under various manpower companies for nearly 25 years.

It is unfortunate that most of these employees have been fulfilling services for various contractors over the past 25 years for very low monthly salaries. They had to work in the same office or on the same site for five to 25 years without being granted permanent employment.

Most of these employees are graduates and highly educated individuals. They believe they don't get permanent jobs, even with good qualifications, because top board members receive large tips from the contract agencies they are assigned to.

Additionally, the NWSDB pays a 15 percent commission to the contract companies based on the daily payment of the employees.

"The NWSDB pays a commission of 15% to the contracting firm for a daily payment of Rs. 1,288 per day to the contract worker. Although the top management inquired several times as to why it is not appropriate for the board to pay the salary of the contract employee directly including this commission, they strongly objected to it," the employees said.

Therefore, the employees are demanding that the government or the most responsible personnel get involved in their issue and oversee the senior officers of the manpower companies.