The Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial, and General Workers’ Union (CMU) will commemorate its 60th year as a democratic mass organisation of workers on 1 February, 2008, a milestone deserving of recognition.

The union has deep roots that go back even 20 years earlier in then, British-occupied Ceylon. A union of clerical workers organised others employed in mercantile houses that were mainly operated by British interests.

CMU General Secretary Bala Tampoe

The ICEM recognises CMU as a strong force in Sri Lankan civil society. CMU has been at the forefront in resisting efforts to weaken labour legislation. And CMU successfully resisted a police-enforced ban of 1 May as a public holiday in the 1990s, a feat deserving of acclaim. CMU also has proven to be a unifying force between public and private sector workers in Sri Lanka.

CMU’s Executive Committee will host a number of activities on 1 February, including a tribute to General Secretary Bala Tampoe, who has headed CMU throughout with great distinction.

The ICEM congratulates CMU on this anniversary, a milestone for a trade union that brings cohesion and unity to the country’s workers.