Butchers threaten strike over abattoir price hike

BUTCHERS across the island have threatened to strike on Monday if the Council of the Central Abattoir in Kofinou insists on sticking by its decision to raise the slaughter and distribution fees by 10 per cent.
The Butchers’ Committee refuses to accept the increase, insisting they will not take any animals to be slaughtered as of Monday if nothing is done.
The head of abattoir council, Michalakis Zampelas, said the increase in prices was a decision taken after the suggestion of English specialists, to ensure the survival of the abattoir, which has accumulated debts worth £12 million.
Zampelas said in order to save the abattoir fees will increase and a number of workers have already been laid off. Almost three-quarters of the abattoir’s income comes from the slaughter of pigs.
Referring to the increase in transportation fees, he said the council pays £457,000 worth of damages each year and the increase in fees is meant to at least cover the expenses.
Zampelas declared the goal of the Council is to preserve the abattoir in Kofinou in the new competitive environment and in this effort it hoped to find supporters in the Butchers’ Organisation as well as in agricultural organisations.

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