Critical meeting on Cost-of-Living Allowance (ATA) under strike threat

A critical meeting regarding the future of the Automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustment (ATA) will take place today at 16:00 at the Ministry of Labour, with the presence of the Minister of Labour, Giannis Panagiotou, employer organizations, and trade unions.

The meeting is considered crucial as the transitional agreement of 2023 has expired without a new regulation. The unions are warning of nationwide strike measures if there is no progress. The decision on strike action will be made at the pan-union assembly on Monday.

The unions are demanding the full reinstatement of the ATA at 100% and its extension to the minimum wage, while employers are proposing a more 'modern' mechanism with safeguards.

OEB and KEBE have appealed for dialogue, noting that full ATA payment would increase costs and undermine the economy. The unions are calling on the government to take a stand.