Call for general strike Can it be justified?

The JVP and a few trade unions have called a general strike on July 10 demanding the Government to increase the salaries of public servants.

When the Sunday Observer sought the views of people on this issue, a Financial Controller of the Business Standards Enterprise, Kumudu Wijesekara vehemently rejected strikes or work -to -rule campaigns. He said authorised officials in the Finance Ministry must adopt better strategies to prevent general strikes such as having discussions with trade union leaders.

He said during his visit to Germany last year, the government there thwarted a massive work stoppage by industrial workers over salary demands.

“I remember, how the President of Malaysia prevented a massive work -to- rule campaign that was to be staged by both local and foreign plantation workers in 2005 after a long discussion with union leaders,”

He said not only strikes or work stoppages but also other protest campaigns could be tackled by discussion.

He also lamented that only in Sri Lanka the doctors in State hospitals resort to strike action over salary issues and urged the Government to declare the medical service an essential service as in many other Western and Asian countries.

Medical practitioner, Dr. Kesara Weerasekara of Lindula Tea Plantation predicted that the proposed strike by the JVP led trade unions will not be successful on the grounds that people will not fall prey to JVP tactics any further.

“Therefore, I request workers not to be misled by JVP tactics, but try to win their demands by talking to authorised officials or to the President himself.

Schoolteacher Kumari Saputanthri of Kadawatha said that it was not wrong to strikes or stop work since the authorities who are in rescipt of lavish salaries and many perks do not understand the pathetic economic situation in the country. “Therefore, I urge the Government to look into the pathetic economic travails of the people and grant a considerable salary increase,”

Economist, Jehan Sabanayagam said even if President Mahinda Rajapaksa gives free rice to all countrymen as the former Premier Dudley Senanayaka did in 1965, a party such as to the JVP would sabotage the economy to achieve their own demands.

Chartered Accountant, Vinodani Alles said that demands cannot be won by resorting to strikes or any other protest campaigns.

Therefore, I appeal to all trade union leaders to meet the President and submit their demands, so that the President would take suitable measures.”

Postal Department employee, Sumanasiri Koralage was not happy with general strikes when the country is facing a severe economic situation.

“Therefore, I appeal to the JVP led trade unions to solve their problems amicably with the relevant officials and give up the idea of conducting unnecessary protest campaigns,”.

Tea factory owner, Gajan Mubarak of Nuwara-Eliya said the current economic crisis has badly affected him as well as 170 workers, employed in his factory.

He, however, asked the Government not to increase the salaries of workers by a large amount.

“My management has decided to increase the salaries of labourers by Rs. 650 from next month,”.

Hotel Manageress, Vijayani Perimpanayagam said her hotel was not in a position to increase the salaries of workers right now due to low tourist arrivals”.

Ex. Police Inspector, Chitralatha Bogahawatta said although general strikes cannot bring fruitful results, the majority people, especially the unemployed sector is living in misery due to the high CoL.

“Therefore, I appeal to the President to reduce the unnecessary perks given to parliamentarians and utilise that money to grant subsidies on fuel and other essential food items,”.

Businessman, Athula Kodikara of Hiniduma said that he was an ardent JVP supporter, but urged the party leadership not to engage in protest campaigns with the participation of huge number of people at this crucial moment where bombs being exploded.

He asked the Government to take measures to reduce the price of fuel, so that it will automatically help to reduce the prices of commodity items.

“As we know the majority of JVP members are downtrodden and without proper employment, so if the Government increase the salaries it will benefit only a section in the society.

Employee in an Insurance company, B. M. S. Piyal said at a time when the Government is trying to bring a lasting solution to the national problem aid and the war, it was unfair to stage strikes. “I will first request the Government to fight and end terrorism and thereafter take measurres to reduce the CoL,”.

Private sector employee, R. A. Duminda also said that demanding a salary increase at this juncture was not fair, considering the heavy loss of human lives due to the ongoing war.

Meanwhile, he lamented the demanding of a salary increase by judges without paying any attention towards the war situation.

Vehicle driver, Sirisena said when the Government increases the salary, they are compelled to impose new taxes on goods as well as services.

“Therefore, asking for a salary increase is a temporary solution and I hope the Government will grant a subsidy on fuel, so that it will benefit all,”.

Ceylon Electricity Board, employee B. W. Padmalal rejected the proposed strike and said that he was not demanding a salary increase at this juncture.

“But, it is pathetic that parliamentarians do not have the same feelings like us,”.

Trishaw driver, Nimal Perera said the Government should not go for elections at this juncture when the country is facing a severe economic crisis.

Pix: Vipula Amarasinghe