Under a new National People’s Power (NPP)-led government, trade unions will not not have to resort to public demonstrations to have their demands met, according to Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) United Trade Union Alliance Convenor Ranjan Jayalal.

He highlighted that the NPP Government had pledged to review tax changes and adjust Government worker salaries every six months. 

“Therefore, there will be no need for unions to protest,” he said. 

“If Government employees can receive fair salaries without unions having to demand them, it’s much better.”

He highlighted the importance of Government intervention in adjusting salaries, addressing salary anomalies, and overseeing promotions in a timely manner.

Jayalal said that he believed the new government would handle these issues efficiently, although unions would take action if it failed to deliver.

Meanwhile, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin stated that one of the union’s main demands was a salary increase. 

“The Government says we don’t need to engage in strikes because our requests will be granted. If their actions align with their promises, there will be no need for us to strike,” he said.

Reflecting on the past year, Stalin noted: “The year 2024 has been filled with strikes to advocate for our demands. State employees held a two-day strike on 8 and 9 July, followed by a teachers’ strike.”

He emphasised that unions across various sectors would consider striking again only if a favourable resolution was not reached.

“The Government claims it will increase salaries to meet our expectations,” Stalin stated. “Our requests are that the salary anomalies for public sector employees should be addressed and there should be a general increase in Government worker salaries.”

Stalin added that discussions had taken place with the Prime Minister on these issues. “She assured us that the salary adjustments would be implemented in January,” he said, adding that if the Government kept its promises, the unions saw no reason to pursue further strike action.

NPP candidate Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, speaking at an election rally, remarked that the country had endured a challenging period marked by continuous strikes. He suggested that if trade unions had concerns, they should address them directly with the Government to find resolutions.

“Against whom are they going to strike? If they have any issues, they can discuss them with the Government and resolve them. When children went to school, either teachers or principals were on strike. If people went to hospitals, doctors, nurses, or attendants were on strike. If someone wanted to go somewhere, either the Transport Board or private buses were on strike. We have had an unpleasant history of strikes,” he said.

He noted that strikes and curfews would become a thing of the past under the NPP Government.