Cabinet Spokesman Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday (19) warned postal workers that the government would not withdraw biometric attendance marking system or revise overtime payments, telling unions that those unwilling to comply “can look for employment elsewhere.”
Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing, Dr. Jayatissa said the government had already resolved 17 of the 19 demands raised by postal trade unions. “However, the demands regarding fingerprint recording and overtime allowances are unacceptable and will not be entertained,” he said.
Postal workers launched a nationwide strike on Sunday (17), crippling services across the country. Their demands include a revision of overtime allowances and scrapping the biometric attendance marking system.
Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara on Sunday defended the system, citing audit findings of widespread exaggerated overtime claims without proper attendance. He called the strike unreasonable, noting that most union demands had already been met.
Dr Jayatissa added that even short work stoppages cause financial losses to the Department of Posts, while prolonged strikes would burden the Treasury and risk future salary and overtime payments