The representatives of 72 trade unions, including paramedic and paramedic service professionals, are going on strike today (16) to demand that they, too, be given the increased allowance of 35,000 rupees given to doctors.
Recently, the government increased doctors’ duty and transport allowances from 35,000 rupees to 70,000 rupees by 35,000 rupees.
However, due to no positive response from the government, they decided to start another 24-hour strike from 6.30 this morning.
In the meantime, some trade unions are accusing the Presidential Trade Unions Director General Saman Ratnapriya’s support for the related strike as questionable.
President of All Ceylon Nursing Association S.B. Madiwatta said that there are doubts that it is a political conspiracy.
Reverend Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera, President of the Public Service United Nurses Union, also said in a news conference held yesterday that he will call his union representatives this morning to discuss the next steps regarding this strike.
However, at a news conference called by the Health Professionals Association yesterday, a journalist questioned the use of the army to run the hospital during the strike last week.
Ravi Kumudesh, the president of the association, who responded, said that the government’s actions will be an initiative for a conflict between the parties.
However, the Health Secretary has informed the Alliance of Health Trade Unions in writing that a discussion chaired by the Minister of Health has been called at 11 this morning to provide solutions to the professional action.
