Sri Lanka - Ansell Lanka engaged in union busting

Ansell Lanka Pvt. located in the Biyagama Export Promotion Zone (BEPZ) refuses to recognise the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union as a bargaining agent. Branch leaders have been attacked and dismissed and members have been prejudiced for seeking to defend their rights. In October 2013, Ansell sacked almost 300 workers for protesting against the company’s decision to discriminate against union leaders and members. The workers remained out of work four months after having been sacked.

Trade unionists have faced anti-union discrimination by management since early 2013. For example, on 22 March 2013, management deducted half a day’s wage of workers who had complained about the fact that they were not provided with meals.

On 10 April 2013, two unknown motorcycle riders attacked the union branch president, Athula Kamal, in Kiribathgoda.

On 2 May 2013, Ansell Lanka dismissed two committee members of the branch union and another active union member without giving them the opportunity to respond to the disciplinary charges that had been laid against them. A female committee member was also suspended from work on 9 April 2013. On 29 May 2013, workers were coerced to sign a letter of consent accepting an increased production target without being able to consult with the union. After protests and a written complaint to the Minister of Labour, management finally permitted inspectors to the company on 16 July 2013.

On 10 October 2013, management suspended Athula Kamal for having complained to police about the assault on him in April. When workers protested against management’s decision by going on strike 14 October 2013, the Assistant Commissioner of Labour of Colombo Central tried to arrange a mediation meeting between the two parties and asked management to reinstate Athula Kamal.

Instead, management decided to dismiss Athula Kamal and ten union leaders and two union members who had gone on strike.

The Labour Ministry called for compulsory arbitration on 29 November 2013.

While the arbitration order the workers to return to work, Ansell Lanka refused to allow them to do so. Instead, Ansell required the workers to apply for employment.

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