By Maheesha Mudugamuwa

The Railways trade unions have called off their week long strike yesterday (13) following a discussion with the Cabinet sub-committee appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Railway Drivers’ Union Secretary Indika Dodangoda told The Island that the railway workers regretted inconvenience caused to commuters.

The four-member Cabinet sub-committee was tasked with looking into the demands of the railway strikers on Tuesday. It comprised Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Public

Administration and Management Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Special Assignments Minister Sarath Amunugama (Chairman).

The Railway Department said its decision to recruit retired drivers had been withdrawn.

The government declared railways as an essential service on Tuesday and urged the employees to return to work within 24 hours.

The strike affected over 350 daily train turns and thousands of commuters were stranded. Only about nine turns were operated during the strike, according to railways statistics,

The strike was launched by the trade unions of railway guards, station masters and engine drivers last Thursday over a number of issues including the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of assistants to engine drivers and salary anomalies.

Courtesy:The Island