eac unions — eac unions — Trade unions at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus have suspended their planned strike action for Thursday following a significant meeting at the presidential palace on Tuesday afternoon.
The discussions brought together leaders from the four unions—Epopai, Sidikek, Sepaik, and Sybaik—alongside key government officials including Energy Minister Michalis Damianos and Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. EAC chairman Giorgos Petrou also participated in the talks.
Epopai chairman Kyriacos Tafounas expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, “I want to believe they were fully understood.” The unions had the opportunity to voice their concerns directly, which they hope will lead to constructive outcomes.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for July 22, allowing the government to consult with other relevant ministries. Depending on the results of this upcoming discussion, the unions will determine their future course of action.
Prior to the palace meeting, Tafounas indicated that essential safety personnel would remain on duty at the authority’s power stations to ensure electricity production remains stable during the planned industrial action. He noted that if electricity demand surged or other operational issues arose, the responsibility for managing the electricity supply would fall to the Transmission System Operator (TSO).
The threat of strike action stems from ongoing concerns regarding electricity supply adequacy and the rising costs faced by consumers. Tafounas argued for the EAC’s access to cheaper electricity from private renewable energy producers, suggesting that such measures could alleviate financial pressures on consumers.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of expanding photovoltaic installations, emphasising the need for adequate energy storage systems to maintain the stability and efficiency of the electricity network.
Prior to the discussions, the TSO had warned that a strike would likely result in rolling power cuts due to reduced power availability. This potential disruption underscores the critical nature of the negotiations and the need for a balanced resolution.
