Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday, 30 March 2023 02:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday revealed that the Government axed some of the privileges enjoyed by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade unions members from last month.
Holding a special media briefing yesterday he said the CPC trade unions have claimed many benefits in the past were slashed from February. “When I took over the CPC, these union leaders had been given four vehicles, fuel for four vehicles, and some had an unlimited fuel quota. Thus, we have taken measures to take all of these vehicles back from last month,” he said.
CPC trade unions went on leave against the Government’s move to allow three new foreign players into the retail market and delayed fuel distribution, leading to long queues at filling stations on Tuesday.
The difference of opinion between the CPC trade unions and the Government intensified after the Finance Ministry raised personal income tax, which caught many of the high-earning employees at State-run CPC by the Government tax net.
The CPC trade unions have raised concerns over the Government’s move to offer at least 450 filling stations to three foreign firms including China, the US, and Australia as they fear there could be inevitable job cuts and salary reductions under such international companies.
Minister Wijesekara also said that the CPC will bear part of the losses of filling stations for just one day, due to an advanced fuel price revision.
“For the first time, to avoid any losses for buyers there will be fair play and a certain amount of the losses will be borne by the CPC. We ask the distributors to continue their operations and buyers to purchase fuel as ordered,” he added.
The Minister declared reduced fuel prices with effect from last night and retail fuel stations which have already ordered fuel will have to incur a loss because they will have to sell at a lower price after buying at a higher price from midnight yesterday.
“People who have already ordered fuel for Wednesday may be facing a loss,” he said.
Minister Wijesekera also confirmed that over 20 CPC workers who did not report for duty yesterday have been sent on compulsory leave.
“I have directed to take stern action against all workers who tried to sabotage the CPC operations on Tuesday. Irrespective of the parties and status, actions should be taken against them all, including SLPP trade union leaders and activists,” he said.
The Minister also said that he plans to introduce a reward scheme based on performance basis similar to what private sector practices.
“Trade unions want to enjoy all the benefits even after not performing. This system will be soon changed. Rewards will only be bestowed on employees that perform,” he stressed.
