Efforts are intensifying behind the scenes to prevent a 48-hour strike that could disrupt operations at Cyprus' public hospitals on 10 and 11 November.
According to information obtained by Politis, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides has been personally involved in attempts to break the deadlock for some time, even before trade unions announced their decision to proceed with industrial action.
Representatives of the six trade unions were due to meet officials from the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY) on Wednesday morning in a fresh bid to find common ground on a new collective agreement and avoid escalation.
The fact that discussions remain active was reflected in a change to the unions' schedule. A press conference originally planned for 10am, during which they intended to explain the reasons for the strike, was postponed until midday.
Performance-linked pay remains sticking point
The main obstacle remains a proposal to link part of future salary increases to employee performance assessments.
OKYPY argues that performance-based rewards should form part of a new pay framework, while trade unions reject committing to such a provision at this stage.
The unions are also demanding the implementation of outstanding commitments from the previous collective agreement.
For now, the decision to proceed with a 48-hour strike remains in force.
However, with less than a week remaining before the planned action, today's meeting is being viewed as another opportunity to avert disruption to patients and public healthcare services.
