**EAC Unions to Escalate Industrial Action Starting Thursday**
Trade unions representing employees of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) have announced plans to escalate their industrial action beginning Thursday. Despite the planned measures, union leaders have assured the public that electricity generation will continue without interruption.
Kyriacos Tafounas, president of the Epopai trade union, shared details of the upcoming actions during an interview on CyBC radio. He indicated that only essential safety personnel would be present at EAC power stations during the industrial action, which is designed to ensure that electricity production remains stable.
Tafounas emphasized that in the event of increased electricity demand or other operational requirements, the responsibility for managing the electricity system and addressing any potential power cuts will fall to the Transmission System Operator. This arrangement aims to maintain a continuous supply of electricity to consumers while the unions push for their demands.
The decision to escalate the industrial action follows a series of previous protests, which the unions claim were necessary to draw attention to significant concerns regarding the adequacy of electricity supply and the rising costs of electricity for consumers. Tafounas articulated the unions' position, stating that the EAC should be permitted to procure cheaper electricity from private renewable energy producers. He believes that such a move could help alleviate the financial burden on consumers.
In addition, Tafounas highlighted the importance of expanding photovoltaic installations, advocating for the inclusion of adequate energy storage systems. He argued that these systems are crucial for ensuring the stability and efficiency of the electricity network, particularly as the demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow.
As the situation develops, the unions remain firm in their stance, aiming to address the pressing issues affecting both the workforce and consumers in the electricity sector. The escalation of industrial action reflects ongoing tensions between the EAC and its employees, as well as broader concerns about energy policy and pricing in Cyprus.