UNION LEADERS yesterday showed a softer side in talks with the government on the economic crisis, indicating a willingness on behalf of public sector employees to help address the poor state of public finances.
President Demetris Christofias met with leaders of the three main unions SEK, PEO and PASYDY at the presidential palace yesterday.
Speaking after the 90-minute meeting, government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said the president tabled the government’s proposal for the contribution of employees from the wider public sector to the effort to tackle the impact of the economic crisis.
“The unions have indicated a readiness to contribute and have undertaken to inform their members about the proposal,” said Stefanou.
Perhaps playing on their minds was the fact that Christofias would meet with employer organisations today to discuss their contribution to tackling the crisis. Taxing the “haves” and getting the “wealthy” to contribute has been a mainstay demand of the union leaders since being asked to review the often privileged benefits and pension schemes afforded the public sector.
Head of left-wing union PEO, Pambos Kyritsis, said yesterday the union movement was “ready to help”, adding however, that it expects a “reciprocal positive position and contribution from those who represent the wealth”.
Kyritsis said Christofias had committed to tabling specific issues before employer organisations today regarding their own contribution to address problems of state finances.
The PEO leader said the unions would respond to the government’s proposal within the coming days.
Right-wing union boss Nicos Moyseos echoed similar sentiments, noting that everyone should take their share of responsibility.
He said the government’s proposal needed a little ‘work’ before he could take it to the union’s collective organs for discussions. He expected to “arrive very soon at an agreement”.
Moyseos confirmed that the context of the government proposal was its call for public sector employees to contribute €70m over two years.
Head of the all-powerful civil servants union PASYDY, Glafcos Hadjipetrou said: “Our position was clear from the start. We said that the crisis affects everyone and all should contribute according to their abilities. Our demand was for all to shoulder the burden. And it appears this position was accepted.”
He too sounded optimistic compared to past statements that an agreement would be found. Asked when, he replied: “As soon as possible. We will push to get results quickly.”
No details were available yesterday on the specifics of the government proposal though state broadcaster CyBC reported last night that the contributions of public sector employees would be scale-based. Those earning less than €1,500 would reportedly not be affected.
