Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said Tuesday he is willing to meet with postal trade unions only if they agree to government decisions on fingerprint attendance and overtime pay.

Jayatissa said even brief work stoppages cause financial losses for the Department of Posts and warned that prolonged strikes could strain the treasury and affect future salary and overtime payments.

Postal workers launched an island-wide strike on Aug. 17 over 19 demands, including changes to overtime allowances and the withdrawal of a biometric fingerprint system. The walkout has disrupted core services nationwide.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara has defended the fingerprint system, saying audits revealed widespread claims of pay and overtime without attendance verification. He described the strike as unreasonable, noting that most of the unions’ demands have already been addressed.

No timeline has been set for a resolution, and the unions have not responded to Jayatissa’s offer. (Newswire)

The post “If you can’t agree to fingerprinting, find another job” — Govt to postal workers appeared first on Newswire.