**Govt Hourly Paid Workers to Strike on September 17**
In a significant development, the trade union SEK has announced a 24-hour strike scheduled for September 17, 2023. This decision follows a joint labour committee meeting held on Monday, where discussions centered around the renewal of the collective agreement for government hourly workers for the years 2025 to 2027.
The strike comes in response to the government's insistence on a proposal submitted on July 21, which notably did not include any pay increases for the workers starting in 2025. This proposal was met with strong opposition from trade unions SEK, PEO, and Deok, which collectively dismissed it on August 5. The unions communicated their rejection in writing and subsequently announced their intention to strike.
In a statement, the unions expressed their frustration with the government's approach, stating that they had allowed ample time for dialogue in hopes of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. However, they accused the government of maintaining its stance without considering the workers' needs, ultimately leaving them with no alternative but to proceed with the strike.
The planned strike will see all government hourly workers, including those in various departments, services, school boards, and the state health services organization (Okypy), participate. The unions have indicated that the government will bear full responsibility for any inconvenience and issues arising from the strike.
As the date approaches, the implications of this action could be significant, affecting various public services and operations across the island. The unions have emphasized the importance of addressing the workers' concerns and securing a fair agreement in the ongoing negotiations.