18 TRADE UNIONS LAUNCH A STRIKE TODAY

18 trade Unions, including the GMOA engaged in a countrywide strike from 8.00 a.m. today against the 2016 budget proposals.

Government Medical Officers Association Spokesman Dr. Naveen Soysa said The GMOA and the other unions decided to resort to strike action,  as the authorities failed to respond to its demands on  key issues in  respect  of several proposals  in the Budget 2016.

Convener of the Joint Committee of Executive Officers in All Island Services, Dr. Nirmal Karunasiri said the strike action is being taken against withdrawal of benefits granted to public servants, including doctors.

Dr Karunasiri emphasized that they seek a practical solution to its issues before the Budget 2016 approved by the Parliament.