Many cases of anti-union discrimination and non-recognition of trade unions have been reported. Such offences are tried before a Magistrate’s Court. Workers and trade unions can also complain to the Human Rights Commission. There is no time limit on bringing cases to court; hence, the employers can delay indefinitely until the union has been weakened or even disbanded.
To comply with the ILO’s fundamental standards, the Government of Sri Lanka must take measures, in consultation with the social partners, to guarantee the quickest and most appropriate procedures in cases of anti-union discrimination, in particularly the setting of short deadlines for the examination of cases by the authorities.
