The Railway Station Masters' Union (RSMU) launched a 24-hour token strike last night based on several demands, including the arbitrary cancellation of long distance train services without prior notice, RSMU President Sumedha Somaratne said.
He told the Daily Mirror that a number of requests, such as improper administration of the railway staff, non-implementation of the normal train schedule, and non-implementation of orders issued by the State Minister, were cited as reasons for the sudden trade union action.
The RSMU began their strike at Wednesday midnight. As a result, the Executive Committee of the RSMU has decided to stay away from all duties pertaining to Station Masters.
He said after seat reservations by passengers, the department arbitrarily cancelled the trains two or three hours prior to departure. "We are suspicious that this haphazard practice has been done with the knowledge of the Railways General Manager (GMR) and the railway administration," Mr. Somaratne charged.
He said the GMR and the railway administration should bear the responsibility for the loss incurred to the department and the inconvenience caused to the commuters. (Daily Mirror)