The six trade unions representing approximately 7,000 public sector healthcare workers have decided to close the hospitals for 24 hours.
This decision was made during a joint meeting of the six trade unions (PASYDY, PASYKI, PASYNO, SEK, PEO, and DEOK) held on Monday evening.
According to a statement released, the reason for this action is the “deliberate” delay in the dialogue for the conclusion of a collective bargaining agreement by the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO).
“The lack of progress and stagnation observed in this matter is solely the responsibility of the Organisation, which has intentionally and repeatedly postponed meetings and avoided signing a collective agreement.”
“This unacceptable stance of SHSO constitutes a mockery and undermines social dialogue and the process of collective bargaining,” the statement reads.
It adds that after the decision to hold a 24-hour strike, local assemblies will be held in all provinces for the workers themselves to approve the measures.
Simultaneously, the six trade unions will hold a press conference to explain to the citizens the reasons behind their decision to engage in strike actions.
It is recalled that exactly a year ago, the six trade unions had also gone on strike to protest the issue of collective bargaining agreements.
That protest was due to their disagreement with the proposals put forward by SHSO. Since then, a number of meetings have taken place between the two sides, but the Organisation postponed the last two scheduled meetings, leading to the anger of the trade unionists.
In their statement, the trade unions mention that the 24-hour strike will take place within the first fortnight of October. The fact that the trade unions have not set a specific date leaves room for SHSO to take action and avoid inconveniencing citizens.
