JCPSM Launches Indefinite Strike in 31 Hospitals Over Transfer Irregularities

The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM) has launched an indefinite strike today (21) across 31 hospitals under the Western Provincial Council, protesting the implementation of the 2024 transfer orders. The council claims the transfers were issued with serious irregularities despite strong opposition.

Strike Action Across Hospitals

According to JCPSM General Secretary Chanaka Dharmawickrama, the strike began at 8.00 a.m. today (21). Radiographers, medical laboratory technologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists have joined the protest.

The JCPSM emphasized that authorities have failed to provide a proper solution to their grievances, prompting the wide-scale strike.

Previous Unannounced Strike

On August 20, JCPSM members launched an unannounced trade union action at the Gampaha District General Hospital. The protest was triggered by a directive from the hospital director instructing allied health professionals not to sign attendance records. In response, staff withdrew from their duties.

Postal Strike Continues

Meanwhile, the Postal and Telecommunication Officers’ Union (PTOU) confirmed that the postal strike which began on August 17 will continue for the fourth consecutive day today (21). The strike affects postal operations nationwide.

Union representatives said the action is based on 19 demands, including payment of overtime allowances and opposition to fingerprint-based attendance recording for administrative and accounts officers.