Sri Lanka airport workers begin protest over pay

ECONOMYNEXT – Some workers at Sri Lanka’s main airport Katunayake have begun a protest blocking passenger access to part of the departure area, with threats of more industrial action, reports said.

Employees of Airport and Aviation Services, a state firm that owns and operates civilian airports in the country are demanding 10,000 rupee salary hike.

Though some union officials have threatened a walkout by all staff including air traffic controllers unless their demands are met, aviation operations are continuing as of 1.30 pm, an airline official said.

The protest was initiated by a union affiliated to Sri Lanka Freedom Party, reports said. (Colombo/Apr03/2018)