Strict measures are being taken against unvaccinated health professionals and employees of the Security Forces in foreign countries, with the Government considering the possibility, but also the possibility, of including similar weapons in its quiver, in view of the effort to increase vaccinations.
An article in the newspaper "Alithia" on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, states that the Minister of Health, Michalis Hadjipandella, has contacted the Legal Service, from which asks for an opinion on whether it will be possible to take unpaid leave, especially health professionals who will not be vaccinated, as well as employees of the Security Forces, ie the Police, the Fire Service and the National Guard. There is an assurance from the Ministry of Health that such a thing will not be put on the table, while the first trade union reactions have been expressed.
The measure is not considered
As politis.com.cy is informed, so far, the relevant answer has not been given to the Ministry of Health, however it becomes clear that, at the moment, the possibility of taking such a strict restrictive measure is not being considered. If, however, the vaccination coverage, despite the efforts made, does not increase, including the third / booster dose, Michalis Hadjipandella wants to know if he will be able to issue a relevant decree, through which he will put on compulsory leave, without all those who will continue not to be vaccinated and are employed in the aforementioned services, as in other countries it seems that its application has a legal basis.
ASDYK reacts
The Independent Union of Civil Servants of Cyprus, in an announcement on Tuesday, November 30, expressed its strong reaction to the intention of the Government, characterizing the measure of compulsory unpaid leave as a measure of punishment. Characteristically, he states that with surprise and great concern, they were informed that "the Government is oriented to take measures that will target specific groups of civil servants, as a measure of pressure and promotion of compulsory vaccination", as "the Government seems to be targeting health services and members of the Security Forces (Police, Fire Brigade and National Guard).
The announcement then summarizes the content of the publications, stating that "the Minister of Health is said to have contacted the Attorney General asking for an opinion on whether there is a legal basis in order to put in a mandatory indefinite unpaid leave of those professionals occupational groups who refuse to be vaccinated. "
They will not be accepted
Following the announcement, the union clarifies that "any enforcement measures taken in the context of the pandemic, which will call into question employment rights such as pay, without first consulting the trade unions, will not be accepted." . It sends the message to the Government that, "before further tightening the measures for the protection of public health, it is better to strengthen the information and persuasion campaign of the society, especially of those groups, which, for various reasons, have doubts and face the need for vaccination with skepticism. "
Concluding, the announcement states that "in no case do we reduce or degrade the multiple challenges and dangers created by the pandemic. However, any measures aimed at employees alone should be taken after consultation and consultation with the trade unions that represent them. Otherwise, our reaction will be expected. "
politis.com.cy