Postal strike called off

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

The strike action which was launched by postal workers at the Central Mail Exchange (CME) was decided to be called off yesterday after authorities gave an assurance to carry-out election duties at the CME instead of at a separate location, Lanka Postal Services Union President Jagath Mahinda said.  

He said the Trade Union action was launched on Monday night following a decision by authorities to carry-out election duties at a separate location from the CME.  

However, after a written assurance from the Post-Master General, the union decided to call off the strike, he said.  
The categorisation and distribution of election postal ballot papers was conducted at the Central Mail Exchange for several years.  

“They should take these kind of decisions after discussion with the employees as they have more experience on duties than the administration,” Mr. Mahinda said.  

• They should take these kind of decisions after discussion with the  employees as they have more experience on duties than the administration

The postal workers said the government would incur a large cost as a result of having to deploy postal workers from different locations for election duties.