The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) and the CEB’s Joint Trade Union Front have opposed the new organisational structure drafted by the management.

The Island learns that the unions have written to the Chairman, E. A. S. K. Edirisinghe requesting him to halt the proposed structural changes.

According to the proposed structure, CEB will have around 20 additional General Managers and 80 assistant General Managers, while promotions will not be given according to the seniority of the officials. The unions have requested the Chairman to draft a new structure favourable to the employees.

"We understand that a new CEB organisational structure has been developed by you and discussed at the last Board meeting without consulting the unions", the letter to the Chairman said.

The unions also said following the new Electricity Act passed in Parliament recently, a new structure is necessary to safeguard the ever increasing consumer and promotional aspirations.

CEB Joint Trade Union Alliance, Convener, Ananda Nimalaratne said the Chairman should create an environment to improve the quality of service rather than increasing the number of employees.

"Around 500 engineers and more than 14 000 employees are facing various difficulties. The salary increment for 2009 and several other incentives for the employees have not been discussed at the board meeting," he said.

The Island understands that Minister of Power and Energy, W D John Seneviratne and Ministry Secretary, M M C Ferdinando were not aware of the new developments.

Meanwhile, some JVP backed Unions claimed that they were not supportive of the new Electricity Act because it helped certain people to achieve higher positions.

CEB Engineers Union has also threatened trade union action if the Chairman implements the proposed structure.

Despite numerous efforts by The Island, CEB Chairman, E A S K Edirisinghe could not be contacted for his comments.