President tries to avert electricity strike

President Nicos Anastasiades stepped in to try to avert the escalating strike measures announced for next week by the unions at the state power company EAC, it was reported on Thursday, while union leaders said they are to inform their members in all districts of the situation.
According to daily newspaper Politis, Anastasiades presided over a meeting on Wednesday in the presence of Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis and the EAC head and his deputy to discuss the demands of the unions. The daily reported that, according to its sources, there is hope the strikes would be averted, as the government seems to be willing to satisfy basic demands of the unions.
The unions’ leadership however, announced on Thursday that they will proceed on Friday with meetings in all districts to inform their members of the situation and the reasons that led to the decision to strike.
The union announced a two-hour work stoppage for next Thursday, November 9, and a 24-hour strike a week after if their demands are not satisfied by the government.
Unions have accused the government of aiming to weaken and deconstruct the organisation by deactivating and selling its assets abroad and to third parties in Cyprus. They are also calling for the prompt hiring of staff so that the utility can regain its operational capacity.
The unions also want restoration of the workers’ incomes to the levels they were at before the austerity drive some six years ago.
The first strike is to take place between 7am and 9 am on November 9, followed by a 24-hour action one week later if their demands were not met in the meantime.
Electricity production is not expected to be affected during the two hours, though customer service outlets will remain shut.

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