Thousands of health workers strike
Over 20,000 workers in northern provinces, including clerical staff, drivers, planning and project officers, apothecaries, and telephone operators, struck on 19 and 20 May, prompted by provincial governments’ delay in paying salaries that were agreed by the national government in February.

The strike affected 250 hospitals and clinics. A spokesperson for the Health Sector Trade Union Alliance said there would be further strikes in the Sabaragamuwa and North East provinces because the provincial authorities dismissed workers’ demands.

World Socialist Web Site, 22 May 2004