PHIs to resort to islandwide strike today, tomorrow

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union has decided to launch a strike action today and tomorrow over several demands, the Union Secretary said.

Union Secretary Shanaka Bopitiya told the Daily Mirror that although they had conveyed their grievances to the Health Ministry, no satisfactory response has been received so far.

According to the Union Secretary, one of the key concerns is the failure to increase the mileage rent and transport allowance provided for field duties.

“These allowances have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, fuel prices and motorcycle maintenance costs, leading to financial difficulties for the Public Health Inspectors, the Union Secretary claimed.

“To articulate their grievances, the association has chosen to engage in trade union action,” he added.

“However, selected health institutions, such as the port, airport, blood bank, maternity hospitals, children’s hospital, the kidney units and training activities will not be hampered owing to the strike action, he added. 

According to the Union Secretary, one of the key concerns is the failure to increase the mileage rent and transport allowance provided for field duties.

“These allowances have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, fuel prices and motorcycle maintenance costs, leading to financial difficulties for the Public Health Inspectors, the Union Secretary claimed.

“To articulate their grievances, the association has chosen to engage in trade union action,” he added.

“However, selected health institutions, such as the port, airport, blood bank, maternity hospitals, children’s hospital, the kidney units and training activities will not be hampered owing to the strike action, 
he added.