Kyriakos Kousios[/B] temporarily lifted the government out of the labour crisis, which may have had political, economic and social implications, as from today, until further notice, areas of Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta would have experienced power cuts to ensure the adequacy of the electricity distribution network on a pan-Cypriot basis.
The initiative of the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance to convene a meeting with trade union representatives on Tuesday afternoon, defused the tense atmosphere that has existed recently between workers and the Energy Ministry, which did not want to enter into a dialogue under dynamic measures. The crisis has not been definitively overcome but the four trade unions of AEK (EPOPAI, SEDIK, SEPAIK, SYBAIK) gave Kyriakos Kousios time until next week to arrange meetings, in his presence, with the Ministers of Energy and Finance to discuss the issues of concern to the workers. They warn, however, that they will come back with forceful measures after the holidays if there is no progress.
Presidential intervention
The government hoped until the last moment that the trade unions would have second thoughts but when the day of the strike approached and there was no easing of the crisis, an alarm was raised at the presidential office. The absence of the President abroad from yesterday until Friday did not offer the opportunity to mediate at the highest level to avert the strike. In consultation with the President of the Republic, the difficult task was undertaken by Labour Minister Kyriakos Kousios, as it was felt that he would be a better mediator than Energy Minister Natasha Pilidou (who was also abroad) and Finance Minister Konstantinos Petridis.
Open fronts
Thefirst clouds gathered a month ago when members of AEK trade unions nationwide abstained from their duties in protest over a number of issues of concern to them. Specifically, members of the trade unions of the Free Pancyprian Organization of Electricity Authority Staff (EPOPAI), the Guild of Cyprus Municipal & Community Workers' Guild (SEDIKEKEK), the Guild of Scientific Staff of the Cyprus Electricity Authority (SEPAEK) and the Guild of Employees of the Cyprus Electricity Authority (SYBAEK) mobilized carrying signs with slogans such as "No to obscenity. Modernize Dhekelia", "Competition and not strangulation of AHK", "Let AHK operate for the benefit of society", "RES in AHK, benefit to the consumer", "NO to experiments, AHK=Security", "NO third pension scheme at AHK", "Insufficient staffing at AHK, Insufficient service", "Respect for collective agreements at AHK" and "End to the destruction of AHK". In particular, they call for initiatives to be taken and decisions to be taken on the issues that have been raised for a long time and which concern the EAC, the energy sector and the costs borne by the consumer. As they argue, these are issues that affect both the operational capacity of the organisation, such as proper staffing, the ability of the organisation to proceed with the implementation of its development programme, but also to be able to offer the best possible services to consumers, implementing and satisfying any modern requirements they may have.
They denounce understaffing of AHK and complain about the intention to cover needs by purchasing services from the private sector. In addition, they complain about the exclusion of AHK from renewable energy sources. On the contentious issue of the Dhekelia power plant, they argue that this plant, which has a significant production capacity of 360 megawatts, operates old units which are both polluting and costly. There is a decision by the state to extend its operation, since the station is necessary both for the sufficiency and dispersion of production, but also for the better operation of the networks and what is required from the state is the replacement of these units with more modern and economical ones, so that the consumer is not burdened. They also complain that the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is also promoting the alienation of the control of the electrical installations of consumers. Another issue concerns the new pension scheme for which they have asked for an exemption, since they have proceeded with the establishment of a provident fund for the newly recruited staff of AEC.
Pileidou rejects
In response to the complaints, the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry has called on the AEC Trade Unions to instead agitate for measures that further burden electricity consumers such as approving additional jobs and exempting them from the new Occupational Pension Benefit Plan, they should work with the Ministry and the Board of Directors of the Agency to improve the practices followed at AEC to digitise, modernise, increase its productivity and performance and thereby lead it, as soon as possible, towards the new energy era.
With regard to the allegations of inaction by the Ministry on the Dhekelia power plant issue, the Ministry notes that AHK has full autonomy in making decisions affecting its ability to operate successfully within the competitive electricity market, and that AHK has sole responsibility for the investment decisions it makes.
With regard to the Agency's involvement in renewable energy sources (RES), the Ministry notes that it has supported AHK in this area from the outset. It is surprising, according to the Ministry, how the trade unions of AHK came to the conclusion that there is no comprehensive energy policy and technical documentation behind the policies it implements. "Have they never studied the integrated energy strategy summarised in the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021 2030? A strategy that lists specific targets, policies and measures for electricity, gas, renewable energy (electricity, heating/cooling, transport), energy saving and energy efficiency of buildings. A strategy implemented on the basis of specific and costed measures decided after a number of specific studies, with technical assistance from the European Commission and with a view to maximising the benefits of these measures," reads among other things the statement issued by the ministry last week when the trade union measures were announced.
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