Business community condemns JVP, UNP led strike

‘TU activities not the best way to win workers’ rights’:

by Lalin Fernandopulle

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The business community who vehemently condemned the JVP, UNP led Trade Union strike last week said that resorting to trade union activities to win the demands of workers will not help the country to develop but will severely hamper productivity that is vital to create a vibrant economy.

Commenting on the Trade Unions strike Managing Director Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, Kishu Gomes said that while no one denies that the cost of living needs to be addressed Trade Union strikes backed by politically motivated groups is not the best way to win the rights of the working class.

“It is the public that will have to pay for the colossal loss through taxes and the steep rise in the prices of commodities. Resorting to trade union activities will not help to win demands but further aggravate the situation and create animosity among parties,” he said.

Political instability is the primary reason for waste, corruption and mismanagement of the affairs of the country. The government should formulate policies to enhance productivity, reduce waste and corruption and manage the economy better.

“Trade Unions should discuss their problems with employees and come to an agreement before deciding to strike. Negotiations will help to sort out problems and find an amicable solution. Methods to cripple essential services will be a loss to the whole country,” Gomes said.

Chairman, Laugfs Gas Ltd, W.K.H. Wegapitiya said that this is not the time to strike when the country is facing many challenges. Trade Union activities backed by political parties to further their interest is not a genuine way to fight for the rights of workers.

“Employees of trade unions should first and foremost fulfil their obligations to the institution before demanding their rights. Unions should present their problems and be ready to negotiate. They should resort to strikes only if their demands are not met”, he said.

The high cost of living is not a common phenomenon to Sri Lanka. The hike in food and oil prices are global problems threatening many poor nations. We need to cooperate and help to find solutions to the major problems affecting the country.

President, Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industries (SLCSI), Aloy Jayawardena said the strike is not justifiable when the government is doing its best to put an end to terrorism and bring about lasting peace to the country.

“The government has not undermined the welfare of the people.

Despite a war against a ruthless terrorist outfit priority has been given to ensure the safety of the people.

There is no reason why the JVP and UNP should resort to strikes when the government has won many battles against the LTTE and is about to achieve peace,” the Chamber chief said.

Director, Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), Dr. Uditha Liyanage said the outcome of the strike has a negative impact on the productivity of the country

. A culture of productivity should be created where people today are more concerned about the outcome. Managing Director, Jetwing Hotel Ltd., Hiran Cooray said no industry endorses strikes but the authorities need to pay heed to the grievances of the working class and solve their problems.