## CEB Trade Unions Threaten Industrial Action Over Restructuring ⚡

Trade unions of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have warned of imminent industrial action, citing unresolved disputes regarding employee rights and the ongoing transition under the Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024. • Core Demands: The unions are demanding a formal collective agreement to secure all existing financial and non-financial benefits before restructuring is gazetted. This includes safeguarding loans, interest concessions, and incentives. • Salary & Benefits: Key financial demands include: Integrating the Rs. 10,000 temporary allowance into basic salaries. Implementing a uniform 25% salary increase effective from January 2024. Correcting anomalies from the August 2024 salary revision and paying agreed cost-of-living allowances. • Restructuring Concerns: Unions insist on a comprehensive audit and valuation of CEB assets (land, vehicles, substations) before any transfer to new entities. They also expressed concern over the "informal" preparation of the Employee Handbook and demanded legal protections for pension and provident funds. • Operational Risks: The unions warned against announcing the restructuring effective date without a "practical contingency mechanism." They highlighted that the CEB’s current unified structure was vital for rapid recovery during recent natural disasters. • Impact: Failure to address these demands may lead to nationwide disruptions in the power sector, potentially impacting industrial stability and the broader economy. Based on formal notice sent to the Ministry of Power. 📉 ---