FTZ unions seek Govt. assistance to meet urgent food requirements of employees

Friday, 27 March 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The main trade union at the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ) have written to Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva who heads the National Operation Center for Prevention of COVID- 19, appealing for urgent assistance for around 20,000 of its employees who are confined to their hostels and are in dire need of food and other essentials.

“The immediate requirement of the FTZ is food, as they have no money to meet their basic needs. The employees are paid their salaries on the 10th of each month so unless they are paid an advance- they are without any money,’’ FTZ General Services Union Convener Shantha Liyanaarachchi stated.

He said they wrote to the Army Commander yesterday and (is) expecting some relief before the end of the week. ‘’There is a major crisis brewing in the apparel sector. Some quotas have got canceled and even ready stocks cannot be dispatched because most countries have banned goods from entering their countries,” Liyanaarachchi expressed. He added that while these are issues that will have to be addressed on the long term, the immediate concern is the welfare of the employees.