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Government TUs warn of huge strike if allowances cut

02 May 2022

  • Massive trade union struggle looms
  • Claim salaries should be increased instead of slashing allowances
BY Buddhika Samaraweera Claiming that there are reports that the Government is preparing to curtail the allowances of public servants in a bid to reduce public spending given the prevailing economic crisis, the Sri Lanka Government Officers' Trade Union Alliance (SLGOTUA) has warned that it would launch a massive trade union struggle if such an attempt is made. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (2), SLGOTUA National Organiser Pradeep Basnayake said: “Currently, the prices of everything from food, fuel and medicine have skyrocketed. What used to cost Rs. 10,000 now costs around Rs. 30,000.  “Therefore, the Government should take necessary steps to increase the income of all, including public servants, instead of curtailing allowances.” He added that skyrocketing inflation has meant that public servants’ salaries are worth much less now. "The people now have to pay almost three times the previous price for every product and service. It is akin to a curtailing of our allowances. Also, many public servants have taken loans for various needs such as housing and children's education. Therefore, there is nothing to be further curtailed in the current meagre allowances that we receive," said Basnayake. The Finance Ministry had recently, through a circular issued last week, instructed state institutions to reduce capital expenditure allocated for them from the 2022 Budget. The circular issued to Government Departments, Provincial Councils, and statutory boards by Finance Ministry and Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana had ordered all new projects and projects that have been commenced but were stalled due to the lack of raw materials to be suspended.


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