The attempt to reach a permanent agreement for the ATA was blown up. The employers' side considered the government framework unsatisfactory, while the trade unionists accepted it.
Speaking on the Morning Schedule, the general director of the Oev, Michalis Antoniou, expressed disagreement with the government's draft, since, as he noted, it includes a reference that the ministers of Labor and Finance will implement incentives and measures to expand the ATA institution.
The reference to "measures" - he emphasized - leads to the absolute cancellation of what was agreed upon in the previous period.
Regarding the connection of the ATA to the minimum wage, Mr. Antoniou said that the draft agreement states that it will be adjusted on an annual basis. He stressed, however, that according to current regulations, the minimum wage is revised every two years, and for there to be a differentiation, a dialogue must precede it.
On the same wavelength was the general secretary of Keve, Philokypros Rousounidis, who stated that the draft submitted could not be accepted.
When asked about this, he said that during the meeting at the Presidential Palace there was no talk of "measures", only of "motivations".
Regarding the minimum wage, he said that the goal of supporting our low-paid compatriots is not being achieved, since most of those receiving the minimum wage are foreigners. He added that they transfer the money abroad, without the possibility of channeling it back into the Cypriot economy.
