Trade union organisations have announced a three-hour general strike on 11 September as a warning measure over the ongoing dispute regarding the CoLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) system.
The decision was taken following a pan-union conference on Monday, with union leaders warning this represents the first step in a series of measures until their collective and universal goal is achieved.
The previous general strike over CoLA occurred approximately 2.5 years ago, shortly before the 2023 presidential elections.
All economic sectors to participate in warning strike action
PEO General Secretary Sotiroula Charalambous confirmed all economic sectors will participate in the strike action, including construction, hospitality, public sector, semi-public sector, education, hospitals, ports, public transport and media.
“Essential services are always taken into consideration, and safety personnel measures are always implemented,” Charalambous stated. SEK General Secretary Andreas Matsas added: “This is the first step in relation to a series of measures until we achieve our goal, which is collective and universal”.
Both union leaders indicated potential escalation if necessary, with Charalambous noting, “If needed, there will be escalation”.
Conditions for suspension of strike measures
SEK General Secretary Matsas told Phileleftheros that unions would only suspend the strike if positive developments emerge or substantial proposals based on CoLA’s institutional philosophy are submitted.
“There is no point in participating in a process that offers nothing new to the dialogue and goes from extension to extension,” Matsas said. “Only if something substantial emerges will we decide to suspend measures and join the dialogue”.
Labour ministry appeals for continued dialogue over CoLA reform
The Labour Ministry issued a statement following the unions’ decision, appealing to trade unions not to proceed with strike measures.
The ministry emphasised that “despite difficulties and disagreements, intensive efforts to reach agreement must continue and strike action must be avoided”.
The ministry stated it remains committed to mediation processes for achieving consensus on CoLA’s future, requiring constructive contribution from social partners. Contacts are being made and meetings scheduled within the framework of social dialogue with both sides.
Employers condemn strike decision
OEB President Giorgos Pantelides appealed to union colleagues to “exhaust every possible effort to find a practical solution to close the CoLA issue once and for all”.
He argued the industrial relations code provides opportunities for unions to avoid strike measures as no deadlock has been declared.
KEΒE issued a sharper response, stating it “condemns in the strongest way the decision of trade union organisations to proceed with a general strike on Thursday 11 September”.
The employers’ organisation described such moves as “not only deadlocked but dangerous for the future of the Cypriot economy”.
Union leader defends workers’ record
Matsas responded to employer criticism, stating, “Workers have proven their responsibility and seriousness in the most difficult moments of our history over the years, and therefore we do not accept lessons from anyone”.
He cited workers’ responsible behaviour during 1974 and the 2013 economic crisis and the pandemic period, emphasising workers consistently prioritised the country’s welfare above all else.