Private sector workers’ salaries should be increased

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) –  Trade unions have requested the government to increase salaries of the private sector, similar to that of the state sector, through the law.

Joint Secretary of the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union Anton Marcus said expected results cannot be obtained by only issuing directives to increase salaries of private sector workers.

Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa yesterday announced a Rs.5,000 monthly allowance for state sector employees.

Speaking during a media briefing last evening the Finance Minister said directives were issued to the Minister of Labour to hold discussions with relevant parties pertaining to increasing salaries for the private sector.