Prime Minister (PM) Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (15) urged Ministers to listen to trade unions (TUs) when making decisions.

He expressed these views in a discussion held with trade union leaders at the Temple Trees.

The Premier said that since the trade unions would feel the impact if the values of a particular institution are deteriorating, the Ministers in charge of the subjects should discuss with the trade unions of the respective institutions before making important decisions.

“Some institutions make decisions and take actions without having any discussion with the relevant trade unions, thus leading to employee frustration and inconvenience. That can be harmful to the consistency of the institution. Making decisions without having discussions is a hindrance to the harmony of an institution. Due to the economic crisis, the Government has to face many problems. But, we are trying to move forward by protecting institutions and their employees when making decisions about the loss-making, State-owned enterprises.”

The representatives of the trade unions presented the problems of the respective institutions to Gunawardena and he in turn mentioned that the Government will soon discuss the problems with the Ministers and officials of the respective ministerial institutions.

Trade unions representing the petroleum, ports, water supply and drainage, road development, security, telecommunications, insurance, transport, estates, education and higher education, and Local Government sectors participated in the discussion.