2019 railway strike in Sri Lanka

2019 railway strike in Sri Lanka was an industrial dispute which happened for 12 consecutive days between the Sri Lanka Railways and the Government of Sri Lanka over the salary increments. It was considered to be one of the longest railway strikes in Sri Lanka since 2008. The strike began in mid September from midnight and ended up on 7 October 2019.[1]

2019 railway strike in Sri Lanka
Part of railway strike in Sri Lanka
Date25 September 2019 – 7 October 2019
Location
Sri Lanka
MethodsStrikes and protests also include work-to-rule, Go Slow Down
Status
  • Caused by the labourers demanding high salary increments from the government.
Parties to the civil conflict
  • Rail unions:
    • Locomotive Engine Operators Union
    • Sri Lanka Railways Guard Union
    • Railway Drivers Union
    • Railway Station Masters Union
Lead figures
*Maithripala Sirisena, President

On 3 October 2019, Sri Lankan government issued an ordinary gazette declaring the railway service as an essential service.[2] It also meant that the leave of government employees were officially cancelled with immediate effect.

On 7 October 2019, the strike action was called off following the discussions with the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation.[3]

Background

Rail transport in Sri Lanka is one of the most accessible, cheapest and significant modes of transportation modes in Sri Lanka. However the railway transport in the country has been significantly affected over the years due to the frequent protests held by the labourers of the Railway Department demanding for higher salaries. These issues have often caused severe difficulties for the general public to utilise the railway transport system. Railway transport is the most inefficient transport mode in Sri Lanka as the Sri Lanka Railways often run with severe losses.[4]

Response

As a remedy to the strike action, about 3000 railway employees who were on strike were suspended. The Sri Lanka Railways also reported to have lost Rs 15 million as income on daily basis due to the strikes.[2] The rail strikes were highly criticised by the general public who prefer the relevant transport as a main transport mode.[5]

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References
  1. "Sri Lanka : Train strike enters 12th day; trade unions vow to continue". www.colombopage.com. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  2. "Railway Unions continue strike for eleventh day". Times Online - Daily Online Edition of The Sunday Times Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  3. "Railway strike called off after 12 days - Sri Lanka Latest News". Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst. 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  4. "A foreigner's perspective on Sri Lanka's public transport | Daily FT". www.ft.lk. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  5. "Sri Lanka : Public curse the unfair train strike, stern action if not ended by Monday - Minister". www.colombopage.com. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
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