The Postal and Telecommunications Officers’ Union and the United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) have declared a 48-hour token strike starting today (16) at 4:00 p.m., continuing until March 18.
According to Chinthaka Bandara, co-convener of the UPTUF, the strike is being staged over seven key issues, primarily the urgent need to fill 7,500 vacancies within the Department of Posts.
“There is currently a shortage of 7,500 employees, including junior staff. The department is struggling to maintain even the minimum level of services, with letters being delivered only every two days in some areas,” Bandara stated.
A discussion with the Minister is scheduled an hour before the strike begins, and the unions will determine the next course of action based on the outcome.
The strike will continue through March 17 and 18, and Bandara warned that if a fair resolution is not reached, unions may escalate to more severe trade union action beyond these dates.
