PEO and DEOK: ATA Can Be Achieved Through Existing System

The General Secretary of PEO, Sotiroula Charalambous, and the President of DEOK, Stelios Christodoulou, stated that the universal granting of ATA (Cost of Living Allowance) can be achieved through the existing labor relations system. The statements were made to CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY on Thursday.

The two unionists commented on the legal opinion of Achilleas Emilianides, commissioned by OEB and KEBE. According to the opinion, the legislative imposition of ATA on employees with private law contracts may conflict with Article 26 of the Constitution.

Ms. Charalambous emphasized that the issue is a matter of substance and that 'ATA for all' is feasible through the existing system, with the minimum wage and collective labor agreements.

Mr. Christodoulou mentioned that the opinion concerns a different approach from that of the Minister of Labor, who emphasizes the social aspect of the issue. He added that there are labor issues already regulated by legislation, such as maternity leave and annual paid leave.

No new meeting with the Minister of Labor has been scheduled yet. The trade union movement is waiting for the meeting with the Minister of Labor to be completed in order to determine its next steps.