Okypy’s proposal for hospital labour agreements has sparked disagreement with labour unions, who demand collective labour agreements with transparent pay scales and knowledge of annual raises. Unions seek a revised engagement approach from Okypy’s directorate, while Okypy suggests fixed and variable salary increases leading up to 2025, followed by a new system post-2026, contingent on performance and financial health. Both parties are committed to ongoing dialogue to find a mutually beneficial agreement for the state healthcare system.
What is the controversy between Okypy and labour unions over hospital labour agreements?
Okypy’s proposal for hospital labour agreements has sparked disagreement with labour unions, who demand collective labour agreements with transparent pay scales and knowledge of annual raises. Unions seek a revised engagement approach from Okypy’s directorate, while Okypy suggests fixed and variable salary increases leading up to 2025, followed by a new system post-2026, contingent on performance and financial health.
Amid the ever-evolving dynamics of healthcare, the state health services organisation, Okypy, finds itself at odds with labour unions over a new proposal concerning hospital labour agreements.
Proposal Sparks Dialogue
The air was tense on Friday as union representatives voiced their dissent towards Okypy’s newly minted proposal. It was submitted to the health ministry amidst a turbulent spat surrounding the labour agreements at state hospitals. Despite the friction, the unions remain committed to continuing the dialogue with Okypy. They hold onto a sliver of hope that, with certain changes, consensus might yet be within reach.
Collective Labour Agreements in Demand
The crux of the unions’ demand lies in the establishment of collective labour agreements. They advocate for a transparent system where pay grade scales are clearly delineated. Such a system would empower workers with knowledge about their annual raises. Sek union’s general secretary, George Constantinou, has not dismissed the proposal outright. He suggests that while there is no current agreement with the specifics of the proposal, the dynamic could shift favorably amidst ongoing discussions.
A Call for Change
Constantinou was clear in his message that the union is open to dialogue. They seek to avoid the perception of being uncooperative and are mindful of the key role hospitals play. However, he also highlighted the need for a shift in how Okypy’s directorate engages with its staff.
Bridging the Gap
Nikos Gregoriou, general secretary of Peo, echoed the sentiment of discord. He remarked candidly that Okypy’s proposal falls short of bridging the existing gap between the two parties. Nonetheless, the proposal is under examination, and discussions will persist.
Okypy’s Stance and Future Negotiations
Pambos Charilaou, the spokesman for Okypy, spoke to the Cyprus New Agency (CNA) outlining the state of play between Okypy and the unions. He mentioned that the unions have posed various questions that Okypy plans to address in writing by next week. A subsequent meeting with Health Minister Popi Kanari is on the cards to explore any potential for progress.
Charilaou elaborated on the proposal, which envisages two distinct timeframes: one leading up to 2025 and the other post-2026. In the initial period, salary increases will be across the board and not tied to an evaluation system, as such a system has yet to be established and agreed upon with the unions. Post-2026, the proposal includes both fixed and variable salary increases, the latter contingent on an evaluation system and Okypy’s financial performance.
Incremental Increases and Future Outlook
For the interim period until 2025, Okypy has proposed a 1% fixed increase, with an additional variable increase for the said years. From 2026 onwards, the proposal includes an adjustment to the fixed increase and a variable increase based on an evaluation system. The proposed system aims to provide incentives linked to individual performance and the organisation’s financial health.
Navigating Uncertainties
As the dialogue unfolds, the pursuit of a mutually beneficial agreement remains a balancing act. The unions and Okypy navigate the intricacies of healthcare administration and worker welfare. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for future labour relations within the state healthcare system.
Enduring Commitment to Dialogue
Despite the lack of accord, both parties are steadfast in their commitment to constructive dialogue. The health sector’s importance, particularly during times of strain, cannot be underestimated. Therefore, the ongoing conversations carry not only the weight of immediate concerns but also the long-term wellbeing of Cyprus’s healthcare infrastructure.
Quick Recap
- Okypy’s proposal for hospital labour agreements has sparked disagreement with labour unions, who demand collective labour agreements with transparent pay scales and knowledge of annual raises.
- Unions seek a revised engagement approach from Okypy’s directorate, while Okypy suggests fixed and variable salary increases leading up to 2025, followed by a new system post-2026, contingent on performance and financial health.
- The unions advocate for a transparent system with clear pay grade scales and annual raises, but are open to ongoing discussions and potential changes.
- There is a call for a shift in how Okypy’s directorate engages with its staff to bridge the gap between the two parties.
- Okypy plans to address the unions’ questions in writing and explore potential progress in a subsequent meeting with the Health Minister.
