While trade union action over salary and allowance issues will continue in the form of work-to-rule action, Grama Niladhari officers will not boycott election related duties, according to trade unions representing Grama Niladhari officers.

All-Island Freedom Grama Niladhari Union’s Secretary and Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance’s Co-Convenor, Jagath Chandralal, yesterday (4) emphasised that this does not mean that their protests have come to an end, and that they will continue to fight for their demands.

At present, Grama Niladhari officers receive Rs. 600 for fuel per month and Rs. 5,000 for uniforms. Claiming that the necessary approvals have been granted to increase the fuel allowance to provide 20 litres of fuel per month and Rs. 15,000 for uniforms, trade unions alleged that despite having received permission, these allowance hikes have not materialised. Chandralal added that in this context, since the relevant authorities are not implementing allowance hikes approved by the government, Cabinet of Ministers, and other relevant committees, Grama Niladhari officers are forced to continue and intensify their trade unions action.

In addition, Chandralal said that the amended Service Constitution for Grama Niladhari officers does not reflect their sentiments, and that it should not therefore be gazette. In the event it is gazette, he warned, Grama Niladhari officers will intensify their trade union action which at present remains limited to work-to-rule action.