Universities paralysed for second consecutive day

February 24, 2012, 9:49 pm , The Island.

by Dasun Edirisinghe

All university activities came to a standstill for the second consecutive day, yesterday, due to a two-day strike launched by the non-academic staff demanding rectification of their salary anomalies.

President of the Inter University Trade Union Federation and the Co – President of the Inter University Trade Union Joint Committee (IUTUJC) R. M. Chandrapala told The Island that they were now likely to go for an all out – strike from Feb. 29.

"Our executive committee will meet today or tomorrow to decide on what to do next," he said, adding that it would however depend on the government’s response to their 48-hour token strike.

The trade union action had been very successful in all universities, but the government had yet failed to respond, Chandrapala said.

Members of the IUTUJC, ministry officials, representatives from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and officials from the National Salaries and Cadre Commission (NSCC) held several discussions on the issue before launching the present trade union action, he said.

"Finally we held discussions with the NSCC and they promised to issue recommendations to rectify the salary anomalies within two weeks," Chandrapala said.

Secretary to the Higher Education Ministry Dr. Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said that the ministry would have a discussion with non academic staff next week.

He said however, the UGC would act according to the Circular No. 890, which enables it to place those striking on no pay.

However, Chandrapala said they wouldn’t allow the authorities to cut their salaries for Feb. 23 and 24.

"We will resort to tough action if we are placed no-pay," he said.