Adamos Adamou
Despite the new restrictive measures that make the operation of several companies difficult and the outbreak of coronavirus cases that also complicate economic activity, the possibility of repeating the plans of the Ministry of Labor to support businesses and employees is at least remote for the time being.
The issue, as “F” is informed, was discussed at yesterday's meeting that the SEC leadership had with the President of the Republic at the Presidential Palace, in the context of the discussion that developed about the course of the pandemic in the country. According to the same information, at the meeting the two sides agreed on the need to be vigilant and constantly monitor the situation as it is formed, but at the same time it seemed that the possibility for new support, in addition to being limited, will be its last choice. government. This is also supported by yesterday's announcement of the Ministry of Health on the revised guidelines for quarantine / self-restraint for cases and close contacts, according to which those who are fully vaccinated or have recently become ill do not need, if they are close contacts, to limit themselves! At yesterday's meeting of the new general secretariat of the SEC with the PD, which took place in the presence of the ministers of Finance and Labor, other current issues were discussed, with the SEC asking for additional measures for bank charges but also for accuracy in general.
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In this context, as stated in a relevant announcement of the union, the SEC called on the government to implement a comprehensive anti-inflationary policy “giving special importance to vulnerable citizens, reiterating its call for a cap on fuel, which, (in the absence of public transport ), are a kind of necessity and not a kind of luxury, but also a ceiling in terms of heating oil “. According to the same announcement, during yesterday's meeting “the government's political decision to introduce the National Minimum Wage in the immediate future was reaffirmed once again, as well as the political decision to legislate telework and modernize the strategy. employment of foreigners from third countries “.
Speaking to “F”, the secretary general of SEC Andreas Matsas assessed in relation to the introduction of National Minimum Wage that it is a matter of days to have developments, while in relation to bank charges noted that the union asks for an examination and action in general on the issue, expressing disagreement at the same time to focus the problem only on creating a basic account to deal with the situation. He also expressed disagreement with the views that connect the issue with the staff of the banks, noting that the SEC does not demonize the profit but at the same time, as Mr. Matsas stated, the labor costs should not be demonized.
In relation to the apparent shortage of human resources, the announcement issued yesterday by the SEC records the position of the union that “any sacrifice should be avoided in the event of uncontrolled import of workers from third countries”, with the SEC further reminding “On this issue there is a unanimous decision of the social partners to identify the needs and shortages of manpower in all sectors, before final decisions are made.” During yesterday's meeting, the secretary general of the SEC, according to the announcement of the union, also highlighted the need for absolute and strict commitment to reforms (eg Local Government, Justice, Public Service), which the place needs and which are linked to its quality and effective implementation Recovery and Sustainability Plan through which Cyprus can raise European funds amounting to € 1.2 billion.
