**Hourly Paid Government Workers Call Off Strike After Meeting with President**
A planned 24-hour strike by over 11,000 hourly paid government workers in Cyprus has been called off following a constructive meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday morning. The strike was initially set to commence on Thursday, but union leaders decided to suspend their actions to allow for further dialogue regarding their demands.
The meeting, which took place early on Wednesday, included Finance Minister Makis Keravnos and representatives from the three unions involved: Oekdy-Sek, Pasyek-Peo, and Deok-Kdoko. Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that both parties agreed to reconvene for further discussions on September 28 at 11 am. Letymbiotis noted that the agenda would focus on improving the salaries of hourly government personnel.
The decision to call off the strike was made in light of the ongoing negotiations, with union leaders expressing a desire to engage in dialogue rather than disrupt government services. The potential walkout would have affected various government departments, school boards, and the state health services organization (Okypy). Approximately 6,500 of the affected workers are on the state payroll, while the remaining 5,500 are employed by Okypy and school boards.
At the heart of the dispute is the renewal of the collective agreement for the period from 2025 to 2027. The unions had previously rejected a government proposal submitted on July 21, which they argued did not include any salary increases over the three-year period. Their formal response to the proposal was submitted on August 5, during which they accused the government of maintaining a rigid stance and leaving them with no option but to strike.
The Finance Ministry has estimated that the unions' demands would cost approximately €50 million over the duration of the contract, translating to around €23 million per year starting in 2027. In addition, the ministry pointed out that the median salary for hourly staff currently stands at €2,113, which is above the national median salary of €1,968. Notably, only 68 of the approximately 6,500 hourly employees are paid the minimum wage.
Union leaders have highlighted the financial struggles faced by their members. Oekdy-Sek Secretary General George Constantinou noted that workers have received only a 1.5% salary increase over the past 17 years while also enduring pay cuts during economic crises. Deok Secretary General Andreas Antoniou emphasized the plight of some workers who earn as little as €867, arguing that this figure represents the lowest salary in Cyprus today.
The decision to engage in further dialogue instead of proceeding with the strike reflects a willingness from both sides to find a resolution to the ongoing salary negotiations. As the scheduled meeting approaches, the unions and the government will be under pressure to reach an agreement that addresses the concerns of hourly paid government workers while also considering the financial implications for the state.
The outcome of the upcoming discussions will be crucial in determining the future of hourly paid government workers in Cyprus and whether their demands for improved salaries will be met.