Low-wage civil servants protest low pay ahead of ministry’s decision

Trade union Isotita (Equality) on Monday is holding a protest outside the Presidential Palace and participants will march to the Ministry of Finance over issues of pay for low-wage public sector workers.

The day marks a milestone in the struggle of low-wage workers to secure a decent wage and decent living conditions, Isotita said.

In its announcement the union said that the high cost of living has driven low-paid workers to their limits.

“Salaries on the order of 1100 to 1300 euros after 15-20 years of work are degrading and do not suffice to secure dignified living conditions to workers and their families,” the announcement continued.

“United [in strength and determination] we claim what we are entitled to and we will not allow anyone to decide for us without us,” the union said, calling on workers to send a “powerful message of dignity and determination.”

The low-paid workers have previously expressed outrage that a proposal for wage adjustments, which they said had been agreed to by the President and themselves, had been met with a different counterproposal.

On Monday the final position of the finance ministry on the issue of low wages is expected to be announced.

According to the three main trade unions participating in pay negotiations, (Pasydy, Sek and Peo), following the government’s announcement on the status of low-wage civil servants’ pay, they will convene on Tuesday, to take any decisions deemed necessary.