Facing growing anger among members over the continuous rejection of their demands, the unions have been compelled to call stoppages again, but only to beg for a deal with the government.
Health Minister Rambukwella told the media that the government “strategically used the law courts” and convinced union leaders to stop the strike, without him agreeing to any major demand.
While the nurses and other health workers have demonstrated their determination to fight, the GNOA leadership responded to Rajapakse’s dictates by announcing that the union was immediately withdrawing from the strike.
The court ban on industrial action by health workers indicates that the Rajapakse government is moving into direct confrontation with the entire working class.