FRIDAY’S impromptu strike at Larnaca and Paphos airports has caused huge damage to the country, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said yesterday.
There were scenes of chaos, anger and misery at the airports on Friday afternoon after 200 drivers, porters, cleaners and baggage handlers staged an impromptu strike over the deal the government was signing that same day with the private investor who will be taking over the operation of the island’s two airports.
Unions said they walked out because the contract did not provide for the amount of compensation airport workers felt they were entitled to receive if they opted to quit.
The approximately 800 airport staff also have the options of staying on and working for the new operator of taking employment in another government post.
The strike affected some 5,000 passengers who were left stranded at the airport for hours without knowing when their flights would leave.
Keravnos yesterday said the material damage was substantial, but the damage caused by the picture that thousands of tourists were taking home from Cyprus was incalculable, especially at a moment when efforts were being made to attract tourism.
“We showed them the worse image and there was no reason for this strike, because the interests of this category of workers has been fully secured,” the minister said.
He was echoed by his colleague in the Communications Ministry, who said the main damage had been by the hardship travellers had gone through during the strike.
Harris Thrasou said it was up to the political parties to look into the matter of banning strikes in essential sectors.
“It is a very big issue that needs further study,” Thrasou said.
He pointed out that the right to strike was sacred, but should only be used as an ultimate measure and not before negotiations.
The Hoteliers’ Association (PASYXE) asked the state to assume its responsibilities and make sure that a repeat of Friday’s scenes was avoided.
In a written statement, PASYXE said the strike had done a lot to harm Cyprus’ reputation during the most critical period.
“The state has the responsibility of securing the unhindered operation of the ports and airports and for this it is necessary to have, and put into immediate effect, an action plan for tackling similar emergencies,” PASYXE said.
“At a time when the island’s whole tourism industry is struggling to deal with increased competition and the decrease in tourist income, it is a shame to receive such heavy blows from within,” the association added.
