The Postal Department stated that it has taken measures to ensure the smooth functioning of its services, including the distribution of postal vote applications, despite the 48-hour token strike launched by the Postal and Telecommunications Officers’ Union and the United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) on 16 March.

Speaking to the media yesterday (17), the Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said that a discussion was held between the subject minister and the trade unions, and that the ministry’s response was conveyed. However, the trade unions did not respond positively. He noted that most post offices were open yesterday, as the Postal and Telecommunications Officers’ Union had withdrawn from the strike. 

He claimed that the strike at this time cannot be justified, as the Government has taken certain positive steps regarding recruitment and other demands raised by the trade unions. He further urged those applying for postal voting to hand over their applications to the nearest post office. He assured that the strike would not affect Local Government Elections-related activities and that practical measures would be taken to address any issues that arise. He also raised concerns that the ongoing strike could impact the Department’s revenue, as the festive season usually brings a significant increase in income.

According to the co-convener of the United Postal Trade Unions’ Front, Chinthaka Bandara, the strike is being held over seven key issues, including the urgent need to fill 7,500 vacancies within the Department of Posts. The strike is set to end today (18), but, the unions have warned that if a fair and proper solution is not found, they will escalate to more severe trade union action beyond these dates.

However, attempts to contact the trade union leaders were unsuccessful.