Intensive talks are continuing in an effort to avert a 48-hour strike at Cyprus’ public hospitals on 10 and 11 November, with Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides personally involved in attempts to resolve the dispute.
According to information, the minister has been working behind the scenes to break the deadlock for some time, even before trade unions announced their decision to take industrial action.
Representatives of the six trade unions were due to meet officials from the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) on Wednesday morning in a fresh attempt to reach an agreement and prevent the strike.
Signs that negotiations were still under way emerged when the unions postponed a press conference originally scheduled for 10am, at which they intended to explain the reasons for the planned industrial action. The event was moved to midday.
Performance-based pay at centre of dispute
The main sticking point is a proposal to link part of future salary increases to employees’ performance assessments.
OKYPY argues that performance-based rewards should be incorporated into a new pay framework, while the trade unions oppose committing to such a provision at this stage.
The unions are also demanding that outstanding commitments under the previous collective agreement be implemented.
Strike decision remains in force
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the unions’ decision to proceed with a 48-hour strike on 10 and 11 November remains in force.
With less than a week until the planned action, Wednesday’s meeting is seen as another opportunity to reach common ground and avoid disruption to patients and public healthcare services.
Also read: Cyprus contributes €100,000 to help efforts against Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
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