Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Professor Chandana Abeyratne has criticised the ongoing trade union action by Grama Niladhari (GN) officers, saying it is unacceptable as the present government has already proposed solutions to their concerns, including the fuel allowance.

Speaking to media, the Public Administration Minister said that during a recent discussion with the Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance, the government expressed its willingness to address their concerns through the upcoming Budget.

Prof. Abeyratne said that any trade union action ultimately inconveniences the general public, adding that the failure to accept the proposed solution was causing difficulties for the public and stressed that the necessary steps had already been taken to resolve the matter.

He said the government had discussed the grievances of Grama Niladhari officers with trade unions on several occasions and had identified their key concerns.

Prof. Abeyratne said the matter had subsequently been discussed with the President, the Secretary to the Ministry and the Minister of Finance, following which the President had agreed to address the issue through a Budget proposal.

“This time, this issue will be resolved in the Budget. We explained that matter to the trade union leaders.”

The Minister acknowledged that trade unions have the right to engage in trade union action but said the government had already taken steps to resolve the issue.

He also stressed that such action ultimately inconveniences the public.

“Whether the sanitation officer does a strike or the doctor stages a strike, the people are the ones who are inconvenienced.”

However, the Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance launched a trade union action yesterday (10) and today (11), citing several demands, including the fuel allowance.

As a result, the public who visited Grama Niladhari offices to obtain services have faced difficulties.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Alliance, Nandana Ranasinghe said the trade union action would be intensified as the government had not yet provided a solution to their demands.

“Today is the second day of our trade union action, yet the administrative authorities and the government have still failed to take our concerns seriously.”

He said the government could either provide the allowance through this year’s Budget or introduce a temporary allowance until the Budget proposal is implemented.

“If the Government pays attention to that and provides a temporary allowance until the Budget is approved, the trade union action can be taken a step back.”

The Chairman of the Alliance said that the Ministry Secretary could also instruct Divisional Secretaries and Government Agents to limit the field duties of Grama Niladhari officers and issue a circular restricting excessive travel expenses.

Ranasinghe further warned that the trade union action would continue if the government failed to take steps to address their demands.