Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade unions Pasydy, Sek, Peo, Deok, Pasyki and Pasyno on Friday expressed deep concern over the lack of progress in renewing the collective bargaining agreement with state health services provider Okypy. They urged Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides to intervene in the ongoing negotiations.
Joint statement
In a joint statement, the unions said that despite repeated and well-documented interventions and what they described as a constructive spirit during consultations, the Okypy board continued to refuse substantive discussion on salary prospects, career advancement and the fair treatment of employees.
Pay scales and career prospects
The unions said they were particularly disappointed by Okypy’s alleged refusal to agree to the implementation of pay scales, saying the stance was creating conditions of professional stagnation.
They added that Okypy’s position deprived staff of necessary prospects for professional growth and undermined the sense of security that should prevail in a workplace.
Previous agreements
The unions said the board of directors had so far failed to show the necessary will for substantive progress and had not given a clear commitment to continue genuine and productive dialogue on the issue.
They added that significant provisions and terms agreed in previous collective agreements had not been implemented, despite commitments made by Okypy.
Broader impact
According to the unions, the effects of Okypy’s stance extended beyond employees and had wider consequences for the smooth operation of the organisation, with a large number of employees seeking work elsewhere.
The unions said they had sent an official letter to the health minister to fully inform him of the board’s position and the consequences for staff and for Okypy’s operation.
