Trade unions to launch countrywide protests

A large number of trade unions have declared that they will hold countrywide protests against yesterday’s goon attacks on peaceful protesters near Temple Trees and at the Galle Face Green.

Trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya said that more than 1,000 unions representing health, ports, education, and other key service sectors had pledged their support for the union action.

Rathnapriya said the workers would stage demonstrations at their workplaces across the country. At the end of the week, unions will march to parliament, demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s removal and the formation of a new government.

Ravi Kumudesh of the Collective of Trade Unions and Mass Organisations said that trade unions of the health sector would go on strike from midnight yesterday.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) too announced that they would resort to trade union action till 8 am today. GMOA’s Executive Committee will decide on whether to continue union action today at an Emergency General Meeting.

Meanwhile, the trade unions of the railway department too said they would withdraw from duties from midnight yesterday.

Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers Association (SLIEOA) stated yesterday that they would wear black armbands in protest against the attacks on peaceful protesters.