The General Confederation of the Public Service (CGFP) has expressly welcomed the government's decision to convene a tripartite coordination committee in June. In a press release issued after its executive committee meeting, the CGFP said such talks were long overdue given the continuing energy crisis and rising inflationary pressure.
However, the CGFP said in the press release that it regretted the fact that actual negotiations would only begin in several weeks' time. In its view, this is too late, as urgently needed financial relief for citizens could be delayed even further.
The union also warned that, if a tripartite agreement requires new legislation, the implementation of concrete measures could take considerably longer.
According to the press release, the CGFP believes the government gives the impression of trying to gain time, while citizens need direct and effective support now. The union pointed to countries such as Germany and France, which it said had already taken initial steps to ease the financial burden on households.
The CGFP also stated in the press release that the tripartite agenda should focus clearly on the energy crisis and its direct consequences, including rising energy and food prices, inflationary pressure, expected interest rate increases, and higher construction costs. Adding other topics, it argued, would only make it harder to find workable solutions.
The press release also stressed that protecting and strengthening purchasing power must be the central aim of the talks. At the same time, the CGFP warned against offering financial relief that would later be offset by new taxes or other charges.
Above all, the union reiterated in the press release its firm position on wage indexation: hands off the index. The CGFP said the index mechanism, which it described as a proven tool for protecting purchasing power, must not be weakened, questioned, nor manipulated.
The CGFP concluded in the press release that all parties should move away from sterile debates and work towards balanced, viable solutions. The union said it would take part in the upcoming negotiations as a constructive and responsible social partner.
