The State Health Services Organization (OKYPY), calling on the labor unions not to take hasty action, in light of the announced 48-hour strike by the Organization’s employees on November 10 and 11.
In statements to KYPE following the strike announcement, OKYPY spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou, stated that the Organization is ready to discuss and explain its positions to all stakeholders, emphasizing that “the Organization’s primary concern is its people, its staff, and their well-being.”
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As he noted, substantial progress has been made during the consultations on issues that directly affect working conditions and the daily lives of staff, such as telework, time off, and work schedules.
READ ALSO: Why the 1,600 OKYPY employees are striking for 48 hours and what is causing a wave of resignations
At the same time, he noted that efforts are underway to resolve outstanding issues stemming from the previous collective bargaining agreement, including the introduction of pay grades and the development of organizational structures for all categories of staff.
Regarding administrative staff, Mr. Charilaou said that relevant positions have been included in the 2027 budget, while for physicians, negotiations are at a very advanced stage.
For the remaining sectors, he added, an internal study will be conducted to identify and highlight the needs.
Regarding the payment of an annual raise, the OKYPY spokesperson stated that a relevant decision has been made by the Council of Ministers and that a proposal to amend the legislation will be submitted to Parliament in November.
The Disagreement with the Unions Over Performance Evaluations
Referring to the issue that constitutes the main point of disagreement with the unions—namely, linking part of the wage increases to the performance evaluation system— Mr. Charilaou expressed the view that such a system can more fairly recognize each employee’s contribution and performance, for the benefit of patients.
As he explained, the evaluation focuses on professional competence, how patients are managed, the manner in which they are treated, and the care provided to them.
“When we say ‘evaluation,’ we mean scientific expertise, the way someone manages a patient, the way they treat them, and the way they care for them,” he said.
In conclusion, he noted that fostering such a culture within the Organization will directly benefit both patients and employees.
