Minister of Labour calls on ETYK not to take strike action

Labour and Social Insurance Minister Antonis Vassiliou has appealed to the Cyprus Union of Bank Employees (ETYK) to have second thoughts about a planned strike and avert such action. At the same time, ETYK assured that it will proceed with the necessary decisions to defend the interests of its members.
Vassiliou said the Ministry of Labour has done everything possible and expressed regret that its efforts, in the past several days, have not produced any results.
He called on the National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), which has rejected a mediation proposal, to have second thoughts and return to the negotiating table to find a way out to the deadlock. He also advised both ETYK and the National Bank to consider the public interest while they are pursuing the rights of their members.
In a statement, ETYK assured its members that responsibly and with determination it will proceed with the necessary measures to defend the interests of its members.
It said it has no other option but to take measures, with caution and at the right time.
ETYK said it has taken into consideration the minister’s appeal and with good will it gave a chance to efforts to settle the dispute.
The dispute arose after ETYK members employed by the National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) went on strike for over a month, protesting against a decision by the Bank’s administration in Greece to transfer two executive employees to its subsidiary in Cyprus.
However, earlier this month, ETYK responded to an appeal by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance and called off the strike it had planned for all banks operating in Cyprus. The National Bank rejected the minister’s appeal.