Pay hike for 6,200 WPC co-op employees

by Ananda Kannangara

A record 6,200 co-operative employees in the Western Provincial Council (WPC) will receive a huge salary increase - Rs. 2,000 - Rs. 4,000 commencing April 1.

This was made known at a special meeting at the WPC office at Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla on Friday. Around 60 senior officials of 40 co-operative offices in Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha were present.

WPC Co-operative Minister Upali Kodikara said that co-operative employees receive very low salaries compared to the salaries drawn by workers in many semi Government organisations.

Although co-operatives render an invaluable service to consumers in the country by selling goods at affordable prices, it is pathetic that some employees still receive paltry salaries.

"This prompted the Government to increase the salaries of co-operative employees after several years.

Minister Kodikara said that a pension scheme will be initiated for workers soon on a directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and steps will be taken to expedite it after the proposed salary increase from April 1.