The ASTEPAHK union has declared its opposition to a 24-hour strike called by four other unions at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) for Thursday, 23 April, stating that the timing is inappropriate for industrial action.
In a statement, the union said that serious energy sector issues affecting society and the state have remained unresolved for more than 15 years. It noted that bodies both within and outside the EAC have prevented the organisation from modernising, leaving citizens and consumers to bear the consequences of these policies.
ASTEPAHK expressed the view that the strike measures announced by EPOPAI, SIDIKEK-PEO, SEPAIK, and SYVAIK may lead to the opposite of the intended results. It further warned that such actions could inadvertently strengthen those who wish to see the organisation closed down.
The union added that the labour movement has a duty to seriously inform institutions and the public about the true reasons behind high electricity production costs. At the same time, it noted that the EAC itself bears responsibility for failing to state clearly from the outset the risks posed to the grid by adding renewables without the necessary support infrastructure.
According to the union, energy storage solutions should have been promoted alongside the licensing of renewable energy sources to ensure grid stability and avoid the current pressures on the system.
ASTEPAHK clarified that it will not participate in the planned strike out of respect for consumers and the EAC. It stated that consumer interests align with those of the organisation and called for answers to critical questions affecting energy costs and overall planning.
These questions include why a €160 million generator at the Vasilikos power station—which operates only on natural gas—continues to be paid for without producing, why the modernisation of the Dhekelia station has been delayed, why the EAC’s involvement in renewables is restricted, and why renewable energy permits are granted without storage requirements.