Labour minister upbeat on pension reform talks as unions maintain concerns

Nicosia, Cyprus. Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas expressed optimism on Thursday about ongoing pension reform talks, while trade unions reiterated that their key concerns had not been addressed.

Progress in advisory board talks

Mousiouttas was speaking after chairing the latest meeting of the labour advisory board, which comprises representatives of trade unions and employers’ organisations.

The meeting lasted more than three hours and was “very useful”, the minister said. The participants presented their positions on a range of issues.

“I can say we’re in a far better position now as regards the elements [of the reform] that might be altered,” he said.

Government maintains reform timetable

Mousiouttas maintained the government’s timetable for parliament to pass the reform before the end of the year, allowing implementation from the beginning of January.

The labour advisory board will meet again on Monday and then on Thursday.

Differences remain

Responding to journalists’ questions, the minister declined to discuss outstanding disagreements or identify what might constitute a “deal breaker”.

He acknowledged that stakeholders had different approaches, adding that “this is logical and we respect it.”

Mousiouttas also rejected the suggestion that the planned overhaul of the pension system could reduce the income of current pensioners.