Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou is set to hold separate meetings with workers and employers regarding the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA) as a three-hour general strike looms next week. The aim of these discussions is to find common ground and avert the planned industrial action.
Cost-of-living allowance: Separate Meetings Scheduled
The scheduling of these meetings was confirmed by the secretary-general of the employers and industrialists federation (OEV), Michalis Antoniou. He stated that a joint meeting is not feasible while the threat of strike action persists. Despite this, he affirmed OEV’s willingness to engage, saying, “We will never reject any invitation from the minister.”
Focus on Solutions
Antoniou expressed optimism about reaching a solution, calling on unions to reconsider their plans for a strike in favour of dialogue. “The effort is to find a solution, to reach an agreement,” he noted, adding that essential services such as ports, airports, and hospitals should be exempt from any potential strike action.
Union Stance on CoLA
On the other side, trade union Sek’s secretary-general, Andreas Matsas, has made it clear that the “full restoration of CoLA” is essential for the unions to call off the strike. He stated, “If this is achieved, we can discuss other parameters.” This indicates that while unions are open to negotiations, they view the restoration of CoLA as a non-negotiable starting point.
Impact of the Planned Strike
Trade union representatives have warned that the planned strike will have a significant impact on numerous sectors. One representative remarked, “Almost everything will be affected by the strike,” highlighting concerns over how ongoing salary adjustments have been implemented. “Salary increases have been applied unfairly for decades. CoLA should continue for everyone, even those on the minimum wage. All trade unions agree, and we are moving forward together,” they added.
Calls for Collective Action
Sotiroula Charalambous, secretary-general of trade union Peo, described the planned strike as just the first step in a broader campaign to secure their demands. “This is the first step in a series of measures until we achieve the goal, which is collective and universal,” she said.
Government’s Appeal for Dialogue
In light of the ongoing tensions, the labour ministry has urged both sides to engage constructively to resolve the dispute. A ministry statement underscored the importance of avoiding strike measures to maintain labour peace, saying, “Despite the difficulties and disagreements, the intensive effort to reach an agreement must continue.”
Historical Context of CoLA
The cost-of-living allowance has been a contentious topic in Cyprus for some time. Earlier this year, former OEV chairman Antonis Antoniou voiced his opposition to CoLA, stating it “should have disappeared.” He argued that alternative mechanisms for employee progress should be pursued instead. His sentiment was echoed by Philokypros Rousounides, chairman of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), who described CoLA as an “anachronistic institution” that requires reform or replacement.
The Path Forward
As the separate meetings approach, the focus remains on averting the general strike and addressing the concerns surrounding CoLA. Both sides will need to navigate their differences carefully to foster a constructive dialogue that prioritises the welfare of workers while considering the economic realities faced by employers. The outcome of these meetings will be pivotal in determining the immediate future of labour relations in Cyprus.
