• Opposes encouragement/normalisation of working in conflict zones such as Israel

Trade unions representing informal sector workers including those who migrate for work underscored the importance of having in place a long-term policy with a focus on workers’ wellbeing in crisis situations. 

They stressed that seeking solutions as and when issues arise is not a sustainable way of ensuring their safety, especially in a context where the conflict situation in the Middle East (ME) could further worsen.

The Protect Union’s General Secretary Kalpa Maduranga told The Daily Morning that although the Israel-Iran conflict is a recent development, earlier instances where Sri Lankan workers had to work in risky environments prompted discussions about such a policy between trade unions, civil society organisations, the authorities, and other relevant parties. He added that although plans were made to develop and improve such a policy, there were issues concerning taking concrete action in that regard. The result, he noted, is temporary solutions that depend on the crisis at hand.

Maduranga further explained that the former Government paid more attention to sending workers to Israel after giving them a warning in order to earn remittances rather than stopping the process amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict. He raised concerns about various campaigns that encouraged and normalised going to conflict areas in Israel. At the same time, he alleged that sending workers abroad without registering with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment also occurred in the recent past.