Unions see shift in government stance on state workers’ pay, but reject current proposal
Unions say the government has offered pay improvements for hourly paid state workers, but its proposal falls short of their demand for an 8 per cent increase over three years.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade unions said the government appeared more willing to raise pay for hourly paid state workers after a meeting with Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on Friday. They said the proposal presented at the meeting remained insufficient.
Talks to continue on Monday
Sek union Oekdy general secretary Giorgos Constantinou told the Cyprus News Agency that the government now appeared willing to grant increases, but that no agreement had been reached. He said unions hoped a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday would produce an agreement to improve wages.
“The dialogue remains open until Monday and we hope there will be a conclusion on Monday,” Constantinou said.
First proposal presented
Peo union Pasyek general secretary Stavros Andreou also reported a change in the government’s position, saying it now recognised the need to improve wages.
At Friday’s meeting, the government presented its first proposal covering improvements to pay for existing employees and starting salaries for future workers. Andreou acknowledged the move but said the proposal was not satisfactory and remained far below what unions considered the minimum for an agreement.
He did not disclose details of the proposal. He said unions were seeking general wage increases of 8 per cent over three years.
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