Govt. to introduce arbitration to resolve trade union disputes

• Cabinet approval given to set up committee to formulate arbitration mechanism 
• Proposal to include four-pronged dispute resolution mechanism 
• Move aimed at reducing union strikes and protests, foster development 

Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon

In an effort to reduce strikes and protests Cabinet yesterday gave approval for a committee to be appointed to formulate a mechanism to arbitrate disputes in the public sector. 

Cabinet approved a proposal by Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon to establish a committee made up of secretaries of relevant ministries, and trade union representatives to resolve disputes before they escalate into strikes or protests. 

The committee will be entrusted with the responsibility of introducing a mechanism on four prongs of discussion or dialogue, trial, mediation and arbitration so that all parties can work towards the minimisation of disputes in the state sector.  

“It is apparent that there are instances in which achieving national development goals can become disturbed or disregarded due to protest campaigns, picketing and strikes carried out by some Government employees. To prevent these issues and to reduce inconvenience to the general public this measure has been proposed by the Government,” Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.  

Although there are provisions in the Industrial Disputes Act No. 43 of 1950 for minimising the disputes and strikes in the private sector, the Government sector possesses no such methodology. The ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ pointed out that a mechanism similar to that of the private sector should be introduced to the Government sector as well, Rambukwella told reporters attending the online Cabinet briefing.  

Shortly after his election, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa set up a special area near Galle Face for protests. Sri Lanka’s State sector is dominated by powerful trade unions, especially in the transport and medical sectors, who routinely strike to get pay hikes and other benefits.