Threat of water cut if talks fail

Monday, 20 January 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Water Board trade unions have warned of a water cut in the Western Province if discussions scheduled to be held tomorrow to address some of their concerns fail to produce results. Water Resources Joint Trade Union Alliance co-convenor Upali Ratnayake said that workers attached to the Water Board had been demanding an 8% increase in their salary allowance. He said that a discussion is scheduled to take place tomorrow between the trade unions and the relevant Ministry to address the issue. Ratnayake warned that if the discussion ends in failure then a water cut will be inevitable in the Western Province. He said that the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage had been informed of a possible water cut which will inconvenience the public. When contacted, the Secretary to the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage, A. Abeygunasekera said that the Ministry will not be shaken by threats. He warned that if unions attempted to put across their demands using threats and intimidation, then the authorities will deal with it accordingly. The Secretary accused the JVP of instigating the demands and added that measures will be taken to ensure the pubic are not inconvenienced at any cost. (Colombo Gazette)