Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade unions said they were disappointed after a meeting with Energy Minister Michael Damianos and confirmed plans for a 24-hour strike on Thursday. Damianos said problems in the energy sector could not be solved overnight.
Unions confirm strike plans
Peo representative Demetris Constantinou said ahead of Thursday’s 24-hour strike, the third work stoppage in a row, that the unions’ positions were aligned with those of the Electricity Authority (EAC) board of directors. He said the unions had expected the minister to be more convincing on issues affecting the energy sector and consumers.
“We are totally disappointed, the strike is the only option,” Constantinou said.
Minister cites longstanding issues and regulatory constraints
Damianos said union demands were “not unreasonable” and similar to issues discussed with the EAC board. He said the sector faced longstanding distortions that would take time to resolve and that progress was being made through steps in the right direction.
He added that regulations must be observed.
Discussions with EAC board
Earlier, Damianos met the EAC board to exchange views on photovoltaics, storage, networks and power stations. “It was a good discussion, we are moving forward,” Damianos said.
Cabinet decisions and potential impact on operations
Damianos said the cabinet would not take any decisions concerning the EAC before the strike action.
On potential power cuts during the strike, Constantinou said it would be the first time that half the employees at the Dhekelia power station would be striking, adding that it was unclear how many and which units the EAC would operate with the remaining staff.
How do you think the strike could affect electricity supply and consumers in the coming days?