OTE extends talks with unions on cutting costs

The management of Hellenic Telecommunications Organiza-tion (OTE) on Wednesday offered its workers’ union a one-week extension in order to submit improved proposals towards cutting payroll costs at the telecoms provider.
OTE’s management said the decision aims to find a compromise solution and to avoid unilateral actions.
The two sides held a meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss all the issues related with the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement within the strict timetable presented by Deutsche Telekom, which seeks to cut spending by 300 million euros over the next three years.
Trade unions’ proposals include a wage freeze for two years, cutting advertising spending, while management’s proposals include cutting work hours and pay.
A final decision is expected next Wednesday, when the union representatives will present their proposals.