Ministers meet unions over Philoxenia future

THE MINISTERS of Commerce and Labour yesterday met with unions representing workers at the government controlled Philoxenia hotel to discuss the hotel’s problems.

Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis declined to reveal any details about the talks, but did say that a second meeting had been scheduled for February 18.

“We looked at the history of the issue, where the problems lie,” was all he would say yesterday.

Peo and Sek were satisfied with the meeting.

Rolandis and Labour Minister Andreas Moushiouttas met with the union representatives after Philoxenia staff staged a two-hour strike and picketed the Commerce Ministry on Tuesday. They were demanding an official decision on the hotel’s future.

Rolandis yesterday repeated that the latest Cabinet decision was that the hotel would be turned over to a third party or be used for a different purpose.

The loss-making Philoxenia, of which the government is the main shareholder, needs some £2 million worth of refurbishing. The hotel’s board is unable to finance this and wants the hotel to be closed down.

The government has been barred by the House of Representatives from selling any shares in the limited company it created to oversee the running of the Philoxenia.

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