Unions poised to strike over fare hikes
The JVP affiliated National Trade Union Centre (NTUC) called on the government to reduce railway fares immediately or face serious consequences.
Following the recent fuel price hike railway fares were increased by over 100% and NTUC has urged the government to reduce the fares and reinstate the facilities given to railway employees.
President NTUC and JVP parliamentarian K.D. Lalkantha at a media briefing said that the latest railway fare hike has burdened the railway commuters as the fares have increased by over 100%.
“This is the first time in the country’s transport history that fares were increased by over 100%. The previous Rs.90 season ticket is now Rs.510, the Rs.270 ticket has gone up to Rs.960, the Rs.470 ticket is now Rs.1100 and the Rs.840 ticket is now Rs.2020. Considering these fare hikes it is clear the fares for certain distances have gone up by 200% while the highest increase is 400%,” claimed Lalkantha.
According to Lalkantha, this unfair fare hike came at a time when the masses are suffering immensely due the rising cost of living.
“The government that could not increase public sector salaries since January 2006 increased railway fares pushing the people from pillar to post. Even railway employees are deprived of the concession given for their season ticket,” Lalkanth added.
Meanwhile, Secretary, All Ceylon Railway Employees General Union (ACREGU), Sumathipala Manawadu told The Morning Leader that all railway trade unions are to instigate trade union action if the government fails to give them the concession on their railway season ticket.
“This is unfair since unlike the CTB employees, we have to pay for the season ticket. In that backdrop if the government deprives us the concession we plan to take trade union action to win our demands,” Manawadu said.
By Nirmala Kannangara
Source: The Morning Leader
