By Lefteris Demosthenous
Member of the Central Council of EDON
It is now clear that the covid-19 pandemic is ongoing and will continue to exist for quite some time. Within this pandemic, many consequences and problems arise in economic and social terms.
Many of our fellow workers are no longer working because they belong to vulnerable groups of the population. Others because the businesses where they worked have suspended their operations, while others are forced to stay home because of the suspension of schools and the need to supervise their children. The government has taken action on this part of the population. But are these measures enough? Are they moving in the right direction? Do they meet the needs of employees?
AKEL played a decisive role by submitting proposals to tackle problems in society, the economy, and health. From the outset, it has contributed to reflection on the ways and measures of the state's response to the crisis. It put forward a proposal to set up a mechanism to support vulnerable populations with volunteers and provide them with essentials. To this end, the entire Popular Movement of Cyprus has made available to the state 350 volunteers from all cities ready to provide assistance whenever needed. A large portion of these volunteers are militants of EDON
As for the economy, AKEL has put forward proposals for the practical support of employees who are either absent from their jobs or forced to stay at home. It also submitted a proposal for a ceiling on social goods prices in order to combat profiteering. It proposed reducing fuel charges on the basis of new oil prices worldwide while proposing a reduction in electricity prices. In addition, it proposed to suspend the divestments for the main residence or small business, to freeze loans and interest, since a large proportion of the population has lost their monthly income and has difficulty paying off their debts.
Beyond today's conditions, however, workers should be alert for tomorrow's dawn, the day after the public health pandemic is over. The direction to follow is of paramount importance. Who will bear the burden of the crisis will be the result of a fierce battle. Already the General Manager of the companies federation has spoken of cutting the salaries of public employees. This also shows their intentions for the private sector, as we already have redundancies in specific business cases.
At the same time after the plenary session of the parliament, on Sunday 29/3, the Government with the votes of the parties DISY, DIKO and Allileggii passed a bill to suspend debt payments for 9 months but not interest, ignoring AKEL's proposal to freeze loans and interest. On the basis of these, the government's intention is clear. It is clearly shown on which direction the economy will move at the end of the pandemic, that the worker will have to pay for this crisis. They should know though, those who make plans for us without us. We will stay strong, stand side by side, next to every employee, pensioner, unemployed, student, pupil. Because this crisis, will not be paid by us!