In a statement, the unions said that before the privatisation process was completed, the government had assured such band clubs and associations that they were not going to lose any benefits they were enjoying when the government was running the public lotto system.

The unions insisted that the government honours the agreement and removes any uncertainties that some 90 lotto receivers are experiencing.

The unions have written to the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, telling them that it is unacceptable that the employment of these lotto receivers is under threat.

They also asked for a sub-committee including representatives of both unions and the government to be reconstituted. The unions said they were prepared to take all action necessary to safeguard the interests of lotto receivers.