Cyprus Airways trade unions have warned of strong strike action including indefinite strike in protest over a violation of an agreement by the government providing for compensation for redundant staff.
On April 12, the government, the company’s administration and the trade unions agreed to pay compensation to 490 employees who will be made redundant.
Trade unions were briefed yesterday on the company’s administration decision to proceed with the redundancy without granting compensations to the employees due to the government difficult economic situation.
Speaking to CNA, Giannakis Souroullas, on behalf of SIDIKEK PEO trade union, denounced the intention of Cyprus Airways Board of Directors to proceed to compulsory redundancies of staff without putting into effect the agreement achieved between the Committee of Ministers and the leaders of the trade unions.
Souroullas said the government had promised that the state would have granted the money needed for employees’ compensation in the event the company could not raise the money by itself through utilization of its assets.
He said that the General Assembly of the employees will convene on Monday morning to examine developments after the breach of the Agreement by the Government, adding that strong action will most likely be taken not excluding the indefinite strike.
He said that the number of employees who will be made redundant stands at 490, of whom 68 have already left the company after the signing of the agreement, noting that the unions accepted the agreement for the company’s own good.
The agreement ensures that the rest of the jobs are secured while the company continues to operate for the benefit of the country.
He said that employees feel frustrated and angry at the violation of the agreement and noted that until employees’ meeting on Monday there is room to find a solution to the problem that came up.
The redundancy of employees is part of a rescue plan aimed at securing the future of Cyprus Airways, the national air carrier, which is faces increasing economic difficulties.
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