The statements made by Minister of Energy Michalis Damianou, coupled with the government’s overall handling of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)’s chronic issues—which threaten its very foundation—are acting as a deterrent to finding solutions through dialogue.

There is a widespread conviction among the leadership of the four unions representing approximately 2,000 EAC employees that following the Minister’s recent remarks, the window for constructive dialogue is closing. Such a dialogue should have addressed the critical issues plaguing the country’s most essential utility.

"In the last 24 hours, the Minister of Energy has burned bridges instead of building them," argued Kyriakos Tafounas, President of EPOPAI-SEK, in statements to Brief. Speaking on behalf of all EAC staff, he expressed the view that the government's approach to the Authority's problems "is peculiar and raises questions."

He recently ruled out a meeting with Mr. Damianou, noting: "The Minister has not convinced us that he can provide solutions." Mr. Tafounas confirmed reports that the Minister requested a meeting on April 29, but added that there were "no assurances of fresh ideas that could create prospects for resolving these long-standing issues."

When suggested by Brief that escalation might hinder rather than help resolve issues of energy sufficiency and lower costs, Mr. Tafounas countered that the Minister’s own rhetoric is what is driving employees toward expanded industrial action.

"Have you seen any intention from the competent Minister over the last 48 hours to engage in serious talk with us?" he asked.

Regarding whether the escalation would exceed a 24-hour strike and potentially lead to power outages, Mr. Tafounas answered affirmatively. "Unfortunately, the stance of the authorities leaves us no choice. The public must understand that this battle is not about financial demands. It is about the survival of the Electricity Authority," he stated.

"We will not allow the EAC to be wiped off the map or let the energy sector fall exclusively into private hands," he added.

The four unions—EPOPAI-SEK, SIDIKEK-PEO, SEPAIK, and SYVAIK—unanimously demand that the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Interior become involved alongside the Minister of Energy.

The unions argue that the Finance Minister, as the custodian of state assets and public finances, "must have a say when the EAC is at risk." Meanwhile, they point out that the Interior Minister is responsible for granting state land to private entities for Renewable Energy Sources (RES) installations.

"There is no need to further explain why an inter-ministerial committee must be formed," Mr. Tafounas remarked. "There are many other serious reasons we wish to discuss with the Ministers."

The recent 24-hour strike ended at midnight without any power interruptions. Mr. Tafounas revealed that a serious technical issue arose during the strike, which the strike committee "handled effectively."

Today, the leadership of all four unions will evaluate the impact of the strike and determine their next moves regarding the expansion of industrial action.

"Unfortunately, we are no longer at the eleventh hour; we are past it," the EPOPAI-SEK President concluded.

Source: Brief