Health unions launch token strike in the WP

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Health trade unions have launched a one-day token strike at all hospitals in the Western Province this morning.

President of the Association of Health Professionals Ravi Kumudesh said the strike action was launched over the failure by authorities to address salary anomalies in the supplementary and interim medical service and the nursing service.

He said the token strike is underway at all hospitals as of 7am excluding the Maharagama Apeksha Cancer Hospital, and all maternity and children’s hospitals while volunteer services are being carried out.

Kumudesh stated the salary policy has been greatly affected owing to the actions of the government, adding there is no individual who can be held responsible, to hold discussions, or to intervene in providing a solution.

He claimed that services cannot be maintained in the country without a salary policy.

He noted that the concerns regarding the salary policies must be addressed instead of being ignored.

Kumudesh said 10 professional groups including laboratory professionals, radiologists, pharmacists, Public Health Inspectors, and family health professionals are part of the union action.