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Labour unions seek Minister’s intervention at Wathupitiwala FTZ

23 Sep 2021

  • Write to Nimal Siripala on 16 layoffs for unionising at ATG Gloves Knitting
By Pamodi Waravita Over 20 labour unions, led by the Ceylon Federation of Trade Unions (CFTU), have written to Minister of Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva, demanding that action be taken against ATG Gloves Knitting (Pvt.) Ltd. located in the Wathupitiwala Free Trade Zone (FTZ) over the alleged dismissal of 16 union members for forming a union at the workplace. “When you raised this matter on 24 August, representatives of the FTZs and General Services Employees’ Union (FTZGSEU) and Inter Company Employees’ Union brought to your attention similar incidents of union-busting and unfair labour practices, which ATG Gloves Knitting (Pvt.) Ltd. has committed for several years. You undertook to resolve the matter through the Labour Department. One month has lapsed since the union-busting incident took place at ATG Gloves Knitting in Wathupitiwala, but the Labour Department is yet to commence an unfair labour practice inquiry against ATG Gloves Knitting in Wathupitiwala,” the letter to the Minister alleged. The letter has noted that the 16 union members who were unfairly terminated are struggling at present to make ends meet during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the Government’s praise of export sector workers’ essential contribution towards the country during these dire times. Thus, they have urged Minister de Silva to intervene and ensure the workers are reinstated. “The labour laws today may not be strong enough to prevent union-busting, but the Minister’s office being proactive, and pending legal reforms, can guarantee protections for workers, both in terms of their rights and jobs. Although the Industrial Disputes Act No. 43 of 1950 was amended in 1999 (Act No. 56 of 1999) to enact laws against unfair labour practices, the implementation of the law has been slow and ineffective. Therefore, although there is a law in place on paper, the employers have been able to break down unions, as the workers are without protection when they attempt to organise themselves and form unions,” the letter added. The unions have further requested the Government to question the aforementioned company about its alleged illegal conduct.

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