CyBC employees to go on strike over pension row

Employees at the state broadcaster (CyBC) will go on a one-hour strike during the main news bulletin next Friday, amid an ongoing row over retirement benefits.

According to a union announcement on Friday, there are thoughts of taking tougher measures which could mean the streaming of the Euro 2024 final could be interrupted next weekend.

General secretary of Sikikek-Peo, Nikos Grigoriou, said a new law had been voted through in December 2022.

There are eight pensioners who worked at CyBC and have yet to receive the benefits linked to the new law, including one individual who has been waiting for 18 months to get his pension.

“The problem is that although CyBC has sent off all the data to the finance and interior ministries, they have not managed to find the golden thread to ensure the benefits are paid out.”

Despite “enormous patience” for 18 months, “we are forced to take measures because the state is not implementing its duty for pensions.”

The main news broadcast between 8pm-9pm on Friday July 12 will not be aired as employees will go on strike.

At the same, other measures are being evaluated which will be announced on Monday. These could include affecting next weekend’s broadcast of the Euro final streaming on July 13 and 14.

“We don’t know who’s right or wrong, who’s responsible and who will solve it. We’re interested in seeing this solved, and it is the state’s obligation to do so,” Grigoriou added.