Unions to put improved government offer to hourly-paid public sector workers

Nicosia, Cyprus. Unions said on Monday they would put an improved government proposal to hourly-paid public sector workers for a decision following a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides over their ongoing labour dispute.

Revised proposal

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said the proposal presented at the presidential palace improved on the one discussed at the previous meeting. He expressed hope that an agreement could now be reached.

“The government understands the demands,” Keravnos said after the meeting, which was attended by representatives of SEK, PEO and Deok. He said the proposal would be submitted to the unions’ competent bodies.

“I hope and expect that there will be a conclusion,” he said.

Keravnos declined to disclose the proposal’s contents or say whether it included pay increases. Asked how the unions viewed the offer, he said only that cooperation between the two sides had traditionally been “excellent” and based on mutual understanding.

Further talks if needed

Asked what mechanism would be used if the talks reached an impasse, Keravnos said discussions would continue where differences remained.

“We have, I think, a tradition in this country of dialogue with the social partners. This government supports and strengthens social dialogue, and that is what we will do.”