Government-led trade unions have decided against joining the July 10 strike against the government considering military operations and several local and international issues faced by the government.

They will stage a protest opposite the Fort Railway Station on July 09 against the July 10 strike. The protest will be recorded as the protest launched by trade unions which are against a general strike.

President of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya Leslie Devendra told a press conference at the Mahaweli Centre Colombo that the prices of essential items and services such as bus and railway fares have been increased to unaffordable levels. But, the government is also facing several crises such as the increase of global oil prices, massive expenses on the ongoing war and political disturbances.

"We were on the warpath against the government for a long time demanding a salary hike for the public sector even though we represent the ruling party. We had several rounds of discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the matter and the final round of discussions was held on June 29. President Rajapaksa explained the situation and he offered a Rs. 675 interim allowance until January 2009. He agreed to a complete salary hike beginning next year. But, the NTUC trade union leaders, who are organising the July 10 strike, boycotted the meeting at Temple Trees and are now shedding crocodile tears for the workers," Devendra said.

President of the Public Sector Trade Union Federation W. H. Piyadasa said that they launched the 1980 July strike after several requests for a discussion from the then President J. R. Jayewardene failed. Before they went for a continuous strike they launched several protests. A strike is a final step to win workers demands. But today the NTUC is playing for political gain not for workers’ demands.