Mr. Panagiotou defined the context in which the debate is evolving
The Minister of Labor Yannis Panagiotou stated that he intends to submit to the dialogue with the social partners (trade unions and employers' organizations) a mediation proposal on the topic of Automatic Price Adjustment (ATA), stressing that “it is necessary to reach an agreement”.
In statements following a discussion with the trade unions of the public sector (State Sector Organizations, PASYDY, OELMEK, POED, OLTEK, Cyprus Police Association, Cyprus Firefighters Association, Officers Association and Cyprus Army Non-Commissioned Officers Association) for ATA, Mr. Panagiotou defined the framework in which the debate is evolving.
“We have already said that the framework in which the debate is evolving is clear, ATA is not going to be abolished, ATA at 100% is not going to be paid and the agreement must be renewed”, he stressed.
In his statements, the Minister of Labor described the meeting as “interesting, creative and constructive, as we are also doing with all social partners during this period in view of the effort to reach an agreement in relation to the payment of the automatic price adjustment.
“And I am optimistic that within the next period we will have positive results”, he said.
When asked if the conditions are ripe for submitting a mediation proposal, Mr. Panagiotou said that he considers that “it is necessary let's soon reach an agreement”.
“And judging that the submission of a compromise proposal by the Ministry of Labor will contribute in this direction, we intend to do so,” he added.
In response to a related question, the Minister of Labor said that he had already had separate meetings with the SEC and the PEO, adding that the round of these meetings is being completed.
“The next joint meeting will be the one in which the compromise proposal will be presented,” he added.
Also asked to comment on the International Monetary Fund's urging that the ATA remain at the existing level, in order not to burden the public finances, Mr. Panagiotou said that it is understandable that there are various thoughts, opinions, analyzes and approaches.
< p>As the Minister of Labor said, we know very well that everything affects public finances, we have calculated in great detail all the scenarios regarding the payment of ATA and everything we have in mind and whatever is finally proposed or agreed will be in all cases in accordance with the possibilities of public finances and in accordance with the possibilities of the economy.
“So there is no question of taking actions, which are at odds with the fiscal possibilities”, he said, pointing out that “the fiscal discipline is necessary in the international climate in which we find ourselves and in order to strengthen the competitiveness of our economy, public finances must be stable”. that at the meeting they listened carefully to the Minister and his thoughts.
“And we kept the last one that he has said that next week he will present a fair and balanced proposal”, he said.
In asked if he is optimistic about the conclusion of the dialogue, Mr. Matthaiou said that “we are always positive and optimistic that for all issues, through dialogue through a good climate with consensus, solutions can be found to any issue, including ATA ».
