Labour Minister, Yiannis Panayiotou, pledged on Wednesday that he will continue to make all necessary efforts to bridge the differences over the Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA) and to secure convergences between trade unions and the employers, as the trade unions have taken a decision for a three-hour general strike on September 11.
Speaking to the press following a Cabinet's meeting, the Minister expressed the position that it is possible to reach an agreement, adding that he will take a detailed position on the issue within the coming week.
He stressed the need for both sides to show positive will and said that the strike announced by the unions is not within the framework of the state's industrial relations code, as the Ministry has not declared an impasse on the issue. The Minister announced separate meetings with all partners involved during the next days.
Panayiotou said that the government's labor policy has yielded positive results, namely, inter alia, the renewal of major collective agreements, adding that the conditions were set for the strengthening of the Cyprus economy and the middle class.
He pointed out that the government is committed to the dialogue, despite the difficulties and challenges, adding that the aim is to complete the dialogue and to achieve a permanent and comprehensive agreement on CoLA, on the basis of the 2023 transitional agreement. Panayiotou said that this is feasible provided that both sides demonstrate the necessary constructive stance.
Replying to a question if a proposal is being drafted to bridge the differences, he said that through the preparatory work of the previous period, they worked out all possibilities and were prepared for all scenarios. But he noted that the submission of any mediation proposal is decided when there is the basis and we know that it will be accepted.
He noted that the Ministry is focused on the process and if there is constructive contribution from both sides, the desired progress can be achieved in order to avoid the strike. The Minister also said that based on the progress and the efforts undertaken, he will assess whether he will have a joint meeting with unions and employers.
CNA