Relations between the Pilots’ Guild of Sri Lanka and SriLankan Airlines management have worsened after the national carrier’s Head of Human Resources (HHR) instructed the pilots’ union not to write directly to the company’s chairman, board of directors or chief executive officer.

SriLankan Airlines’ Human Resources Head Pradeepa Kekulawala instructed the Guild to instead route its correspondence on any matters through the head of the relevant division, “adhering to the established channels of communication”.

The Guild fired back on Friday, saying it was its prerogative as a registered trade union “to address any communication to whomever we deem fit, internal or external”. Flexing its muscles further, the Guild wrote to Mr. Kekulawala, warning that, “should you or anyone else attempt to interfere in our union activities, we will not hesitate to exercise, in full, our rights”.

Since the change of management at SriLankan Airlines following elections last year, the Pilot’s Guild has flagged multiple issues regarding the running of the national carrier. It complains, however, that the concerns have not been addressed by the management.

This is the first time the Guild has threatened trade union action. It has also written to Labour Commissioner M.D.C Amaratunga, stating, “This treatment by the employer is unprecedented, and severely prejudices the rights of the Guild and our members”.
Mr. Kekulawala has maintained that the channels of communication with employees or employee representatives are the prerogative of the company as long as the purpose of communication is achieved.

The Guild and the management also recently clashed after the latter unexpectedly restricted the use of the BIA’s Serendib (Business Class) Lounge for staff, including pilots, and their families. However, the management had retained the privilege of using the lounge for the Chairman, Board of Directors, the CEO and their families.