Paphos People

Cyprus to come to a standstill for three hours, police announce road closures


Cyprus will come to a standstill on Thursday as workers across all sectors will go on a three-hour islandwide strike over an impasse between the government and unions on full restoration of the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA).

Following the deadlock in discussions between unions and the labour ministry, workers will be holding a general strike from 12pm until 3pm, with unions saying that they would increase measures in accordance with further developments.

Unions in Cyprus cover about 70,000 workers across the public and wider public sector and 40,000 workers in the private sector.

On his part, after discussions between the unions and Labour Minister Kyriacos Koushos fell apart, Koushos said that the CoLA issue would be a problem for the next government. Elections are set to be held on February 5.

The unions said that the full payment of CoLA and its extension to all is required, while rejecting “any attempt to abolish or alter its philosophy.”

On their part, the employers’ groups noted that the period does not lend itself to meaningful negotiations on the matter and asked for the continuation of discussions on a more holistic, modern and more efficient system.

In Nicosia the gathering will occur outside the finance Ministry at 1pm and people will march to the labour ministry, while in Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos the strike will be held outside the district administration offices.

In Paralimni, people will strike outside the welfare office of the labour ministry in the area.
Police in Nicosia said that they would be shutting down roads in the centre of the capital, near the government buildings from 12pm.

The roads in the centre that will be closed for the strike will be Demosthenis Severeis Avenue, Michalakis Karaolis Street, Grigori Afxentiou Avenue, Kostis Palamas Street, and Vyronos Avenue.

On Wednesday, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce (Keve) stressed employees have the right to strike however those three hours would not be paid. It also added employees also have the right to abstain from the strike.

A total of 22 flights will be affected to and from Paphos and Larnaca airports, with Hermes airport senior marketing officer Maria Kouroupi telling CNA that the majority of flights had been rescheduled.

FULL STORY HERE:- https://cyprus-mail.com/2023/01/26/cyprus-to-come-to-a-standstill-for-three-hours-police-announce-road-closures/

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”