The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-21

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Bill for Labour Relations Voted for in Principle

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Today, the Parliaments Social Affairs Committee said Yes in principle to the labour relations bill. The discussion commenced on Wednesday and the Articles discussion is continuing today, while the bill will be submitted to Parliament next Tuesday. The bill includes regulations for working time and overtime payments, as well as social security matters. Development Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos defended the bill once again, claiming that the proposed measures will boost the competitiveness of businesses and social cohesion, while they will in no case abolish the 8-hour working day. The Opposition parties laid down differing views. SEV (Federation of Greek Industries) also voiced its disappointment, claiming that the new measures may be leading towards the right direction; however, the views of the Federation were not taken into account. GSEE (General Confederation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) will respond with collective actions, scheduled for the day the bill will be discussed in Parliament. GSEE has announced a 24-hour strike, while ADEDY has called a work stoppage from 11am until the end of their shift.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Reactions Over Labour Issue

[02] Discussion in Parliament in Tense Atmosphere Reactions Over Labour Issue

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET- ANA

Opposition parties and unions are harshly reacting to the Employment Ministrys Bill, the discussion on which started on Wednesday at the Parliaments Social Affairs Committee. PASOK asked for the Bills withdrawal, while Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos answered back, stressing that the Opposition "is hiding behind a complete denial of any changes for the better." KKE and SYN spoke of the Governments attack to employees. On its part, the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI), stressed it does not ask for privileges, but for the same status applied in the rest of the EU. George Papandreou met with the leadership of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and stated that PASOK, as government, would repeal all the reforms advanced by ND. Meanwhile, the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY) announced that it would support the 24-hour strike of the Confederation on July 26 with a 3-hour work stoppage, while the President of the Democratic Independent Workers Movement (DAKE), Kostas Poupakis, also stressed his opposition to the Bill and spoke of "backing down to feudalistic types of demands made by businessmen." The Bill, which provides for significant changes in overtime cost and working hours, is expected to be voted within the first days of August.

"Bold Intervention"

On behalf of the government, the leadership of the Minister of Development and Social Protection and the partys MPs focused on the reforms of the Bill, as well as the continuation of pension payment of a deceased husband for women under 40 years of age. They also focused on the option of recognising 6-month work stamps, while they included the controversial agenda of the draft bill in the general philosophy of the government for countering unemployment, stating that the 2000 Giannitsis Bill failed in practice.

Furthermore, the Minister of Employment defended the reforms and described the Bill as a bold and decisive intervention, while he repeated that the 8-hour week is not affected.

Mr Panagiotopoulos made clear that the regime of dismissals, collective contracts and decrease in wages would not change.

As he stated, the government is only returning, with some improvements, to the previous existing system of 1975-2000, while he rejected the accusation of the Opposition that the Ministry gave in to FGIs demands concerning the "executive rights."

Through its rapporteur, Preveza MP Vagelis Papachristos, the Opposition condemned the ban of the 38-hour week and the decrease of the employees income, in the context of "a cast system and a deeply conservative policy of the past" and a "Bill for the decrease of employment," for which it warned that PASOK will repeal when it comes into power.

The Left-wing parties also opposed the Bill and spoke of a "ban of 8-hour week."

KKE rapporteur Mr Tsiogas warned the government that it is starting a war with the working class, while SYNs Giannis Dragasakis spoke of "a service of the government to the highly paid."

According to GSEE President Mr Polyzogopoulos, the consequence of the regulations to overtime will affect labour income, which will decrease by 500 million euros, a number that was intensely disputed by the rest of the social partners as well as the Employment Minister.

"FGIs positions were not taken into account by the government," mentioned its President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos. "The only thing which was accepted was the return to the regime of overtime in effect prior to 2000."

GSEVE President Dimitris Asimakopoulos observed many positive reforms in the Bill, but predicted the decrease of overtime payments that "will lead to a problem in the forthcoming collective negotiation, since the employees feel they are being wronged."

GSEE Asks for PASOK's Support

The President of PASOK was briefed on the positions of GSEE on the Bill, as well as the 24-hour strike announced for this coming Tuesday, while Christos Polyzogopoulos asked for the Oppositions support to GSEEs fights.

The government of ND is taking Greece back in time, stated George Papandreou and committed that PASOK, as government, would repeal all the "one-sided measures" of the government.

Mr Papandreou added that after the elections, whenever they are held, PASOK would work towards a consensual solution.

The leader of the Opposition accused the government of facing society and the employees as obstacles, and added that growth does not take place in any society without the peoples consent, but with investment to manpower and quality.

He also accused the government of operating for the few and against the many, and noted that the measures taken cannot stand, adding that the government with its policy undermines the institutions, democratic values and the peoples morale.

Commenting on Mr Papandreous statement, government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos stated, "In order for Mr Papandreou to materialise his 'commitment', he firstly owes to persuade the citizens that his proposals are more effective and more socially fair than the changes advanced by the government."

Mr Roussopoulos noted that Mr Papandreou "does not propose anything substantial" and added that if the President of PASOK "believes that the country should return to the past he should say so."

FGI: We Are Not Asking For Privileges

The FGI held a Press Conference to answer to the criticisms regarding the regulation of working hours.

"The FGI is not asking for privileges, it is requesting the same labour relations status which is valid for all EU businesses," said Federation president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, noting that the measures are moving towards the right direction, but are not complete.

He also estimated that the dialogue between employers and employees could apply in the future, given that political criteria are set aside.

Alavanos: "New Reforms are Anachronistic"

On Wednesday, in a Press interview on the issue, President of SYN Alekos Alavanos asked for the immediate withdrawal of the Bill for labour relations. In his intervention, Mr Alavanos spoke of a deregulation of labour relations and a ban of the 8-hour week after its international enactment.

He also noted that the new reforms are socially unfair and anachronistic, as they are against labour acquits, while they decrease the income of the employees as well as the payments to social security organisations.

Meanwhile, according to SYN's President, the earnings of the employees are increasing and unemployment is reinforced, while the content of collective contracts for trading hours are being banned.

In the Press conference, the alternative solutions proposed by SYN were presented, which include among others:

The protection and reinforcement of a full-time and stable employment The enforcement of a 35-hour, 7-hour five-day work time, without income decrease and with 30 hours as a future goal The effective constraint of over-time, then permanence of the existing compensation of overtime employment in Private Sector, and the increase and rationalisation of a corresponding one in the Public Sector The restraint of incontrollable development of flexible forms, burdening fulltime and stable employment The restriction of state intervention on issues of wage policy The enforcement of an unemployment benefit equal to 80% of the unskilled worker wage.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Disputes Over Trading Hours

PASOK: "Labour Bill Should Be Repealed"

[03] Impossible World A Planet with Three Suns

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, Nature, NASA

The existence of a planet that is surrounded by three suns seems to go beyond the realm of logic and the knowledge of astronomers for the Universe. However, the fact that it exists demonstrates that space hides many unexplained mysteries. This strange planet, which is a bit bigger than Jupiter, is very close to its suns and specifically 20 times closer than the Earth is to our Sun. The scientists are baffled as they try to explain this new phenomenon, since the three suns (ie stars) should have stopped the bodys formation. The astronomers named the triple-star system, which lies 149 light years from Earth, HD 188753.

Three Sunsets

If one visited this mysterious planet, they would have had the privilege of enjoying three sunrises and sunsets, just like the Little Prince in Saint Exuperys novel.

The star at the centre of the system is very much like our own Sun and its planet whirls around it once every 3.35 days. Then, in a remote binary orbit, at about the distance from our Sun to Saturn, two more stars hug each other closely. The scientists believe that the sunsets on this faraway planet would be like nothing we have ever seen.

They are claiming that with three suns, the sky view would be out of this world, while a visit to the planet would also answer many questions about its existence.

It Should Not Have Existed

Conventional theory holds that giant planets form far away from their star, with material building up around an icy seed. According to many experts, such nuggets could never begin within the inner reaches of a blazing star.

Therefore, HD 188753 seems to confuse scientists, who are trying to explain the mystery surrounding the creation of the planet. Although similar cases involving some giant planets orbiting close to stars have been observed, many astronomers speculate that these "hot Jupiters" grew in further flung places before migrating inwards.

However, the trouble is that this could not have happened in HD 188753, which is a triple-star system.

The reason is the binary stars, which are whirling around in just the place - the so-called ice-line - where hot planets should begin their existence, since the two suns would smash any embryonic planets into oblivion.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Over Social Security Emporiki Bank on Strike

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The collective actions by banking employees are at the forefront once again, as the employees at Emporiki Bank are on strike today, protesting against the banks social security. In the meantime, OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees Unions) has called a two-hour work stoppage from 13:15 until the end of the shift.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Trade Bill Voted "Yes" In Principle

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

With a roll-call vote on Tuesday morning, the Bill for the extension of trading hours was voted in principle, with 55 votes in favour and 42 against, while the discussion on its Articles took place amid tension. More specifically, Articles 1-5 were to be voted on Wednesday, but have been postponed until Thursday, since PASOK submitted a roll-call vote proposal, which resulted in the postponement due to the lack of majority. After an amendment added by Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou, it was made clear that pharmacies are not included in the reforms for the extension of trading hours. Earlier, a protest rally was staged by the Private Sector Employees Federation and the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE).

Disputes

Tuesday's discussion developed into a new, intense dispute between Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and PASOK Parliamentary spokesperson Anna Diamantopoulou, whilst references were made to "children's stories."

"What does the Opposition propose? Progression or stagnancy?" stated the Minister of Development, while he accused PASOK of "taking Greece 50 years back in time."

"As opposed to backwards and right wing, the Opposition proposed forward and left wing," replied PASOK Parliamentary spokesperson Anna Diamantopoulou.

Deputy Minister of Development Giannis Papathanasiou lashed out against the Opposition, saying that it is the only Socialist party in Europe that refuses to accept that the new extended trading hours are the new reality. He also made clear that after an amendment he added, pharmacies will not be included in the reforms over the extension of trading hours.

The PASOK MPs' reaction was immediate, as they accused the leadership of the Ministry of Development of "lying" and that the social and employers' bodies stated their opposition to the reform.

On his part, Christos Protopapas referred to the fact that the Government considers the people as the enemy and disagrees with the society at large, while he described the Government speaking of remaining in power until 2012 as conceitedness and complacency.

KKE MP Nikos Gatzis spoke of a "full frontal attack against workers rights," while SYN MP Asimina Xirotiri said that the new measures reinforces big department stores. In an intervention, independent MP Stefanos Manos asked for the new trading hours to also apply for big businesses, because as he said this will lead to the decrease of prices, but would also give small businesses the option of complete free choice of their trading hours.

Trading Hours and Andersen

In the meantime, the dispute of the two MPs continued on Wednesday's meeting.

On the occasion of Tuesday's statements by Mrs Diamantopoulou, who had described Mr Manos as a story teller, he submitted to the Parliament's minutes Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Emperors New Suit," saying that "many will learn where hypocrisy and lies lead to."

In replying, Mrs Diamantopoulou said that she would submit one of Aesops fables, "The Fox and the Crow."

On his part, Mr Manos replied through NET 105.8, saying that he does not support the party of PASOK, but states his own view. "If they do not like what I say, they can close their ears."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Dinner at Kastri Discontent for Manos and Andrianopoulos

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

During a dinner party he hosted on Wednesday night in Kastri for the PASOK MPs of the Parliaments 1st Recess Session, George Papandreou appeared satisfied with the work carried out by his partys Parliamentary Group so far. Thirty-eight MPs participated in the dinner party. However, PASOKs President stressed the need to promote his Groups work. Mr Papandreou allegedly defended the criticism against Archbishop Christodoulos, while he made no comments regarding the issue that arose with Messrs Manos and Andrianopoulos. The PASOK MPs, though, mentioned that they are creating confusion concerning the partys image and stance, although they noted that the Party respects the views of the two MPs. In addition, last nights dinner also focused on the labour issue. According to information, Akis Tsochatzopoulos claimed that PASOK should become more vocal, while he predicted that society would react to the Government measures. Many of the MPs present agreed with this stance. As a matter of fact, Mr Papandreou pointed out that the Government is trying to compress the cost of labour, creating unemployment and poverty. Finally, they agreed that as of this autumn, the President of PASOK would be making more frequent visits to regional Greece.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] PM Supports Declaration "No" to Firearms Use

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8- ANA

Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis briefed the Prime Minister over the occurrence of firearm use, and the event that will take place today in Anogia, Crete. Today in Anogia, a declaration will be signed against firearms possession and use in Crete, in the presence of the leadership of the Ministry of Public Order. As the Minister stated after the meeting, the imperative need is for social forces to overcome behaviors that expose the island, while he strongly supported the initiative taken by people of the Arts led by Mikis Theodorakis for the signing of a protocol against firearm use.

Tradition Spread to Illegal Activities

The declaration against firearm use will be signed during a ceremony in the Nikos Xilouris Theatre, while the foundation stone will be placed in the Church of Agios Andreas Stratilatis.

On his part, Mayor of Anogeia Nikos Xilouris stated to NET 105.8 "we are trying to convince that firearm possession and use does not have the same reason historically, thus the initiative is trying to influence the Cretan people. I think that this has been understood by the people, that means that one cannot attend a wedding and be in danger," while he added that this tradition has spread to illegal activities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Trapped in Warehouse Woman Killed in Fire

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA- NET- NET 105.8

The 38-year-old woman, and mother of two was found dead shortly after 22:00. She was trapped in the room, after a fire broke out in a gift warehouse in Diavata, Thessaloniki. The fire quickly spread from the flammable materials in the warehouse. According to initial information, Aleka Paraschou along with seven other employees that were in the building at the time, immediately detected the fire and headed towards the exit. However, as it emerges from testimonies, the 38-year-old, who worked as an accountant, decided to return and retrieve her handbag. Forces of the Fire Service and a helicopter made immense efforts to extinguish the fire, and late in the afternoon put it under control. Initial estimations state that the fire possibly started from the combustion of a box of lighters being carried by labourers in the entrance of the building.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Northern Winds Are Coming A Day's Wait

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET- NET 105.8

The second day of the first heat wave of this summer is taking place without any problems. However, in many areas of the country the atmosphere is suffocating, since the thermometer reached 40 degrees Celsius, while in Attica pollution levels peaked. The Secretariat of Civil Protection put hospitals, health centers and the Fire Service on alert for the counter of special incidents, while the event of Atticas organized beaches being open until nighttime has not been ruled out, thus providing Athenians with a cool breeze. The Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC) is also on alert because of the increased consumption of electricity. However, according to the Ministry of Development no problem was created, while the quality of the power remained stable and voltage ranged at especially high levels. However, as meteorologists state, there will be a gradual decrease of temperature as of tomorrow, since northern winds will lower the temperature by five degrees, while on Saturday it will return to the seasons normal levels.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Mercury Rising

[10] Twenty-Six Killed New Tragedy in Chinese Mine

By Despina Hristopoulou

An explosion in a mine in northern China, the country that holds the morbid record of the worlds deadliest mining industry, resulted in the death of 26 miners. According to the newspaper China Daily, forty miners were underground when the blast tore through the mine near Tongchuan, in Shaanxi province. The newspaper also noted that 14 people managed to escape, three of whom got injured. According to a rescue worker, the ventilation system underground was damaged by the gas blast and three tunnels caved in, which made it very difficult to search for the missing miners.

6,000 Died in One Year

Earlier this month, a gas explosion in the northwestern region of Xinjiang killed 83 people, while last year, approximately 6,000 lost their lives to mining accidents in the country.

China produces about double the amount of coal it can safely mine, since the countrys economic growth increases its energy needs.

However, the Chinese Government has vowed to clean up the hazardous industry.

[11] Ends Tension Between Palestinians Hamas Calls for National Reconciliation

By Despina Hristopoulou

In a Press interview given from the Gaza Strip, Hamas leaders made a plea for reconciliation of the Palestinian people, noting that the primary condition is for internal disputes to end in the Gaza Strip. "We are here for the necessity of ending internal disputes," underlined alternate Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya, who underlined that Hamas is ready to start discussions with Fatah and the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. "The Hamas movement announces the end of all forms of tension and attacks and holds its weapons aimed at the occupation forces and not our people," stated Haniya, while strongly refusing that the movement is planning to undermine the Palestinian Authority, stating, "the movement remains committed to the Cairo Treaty, and retains its right to answer to Israeli violence." He also added that "the withdrawal of the Israelis from the Gaza Strip is a national achievement for our people and we want to see it completed in order for our people to enjoy their freedom."

Speeding Up Withdrawal

In the meantime according to an Israeli official, the date of the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, programmed for mid-August will be sped up due to the problems created by the ones opposed to the operation.

"After the statements of the previous days, from the ones opposed to the withdrawal and the infiltration attempts in Gush Katif (settlements in the south of the Gaza Strip) it is likely that it will be sped it up in order to avoid clashes," he stated.

Moreover, the Israeli official, not revealing the new date, underlined that this issue will be discussed on Friday in the meeting between PM Ariel Sharon and US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Over the Main Shareholder Two-Month Deadline

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA- NET 105.8

The government will have to submit its views on the clauses of the main shareholder Bill, which concern the mandatory registering of shares for Mass Media companies, to the European Commission within the next two months. The Commission estimates that these clauses are opposed to Community Law, and today decided to go forth with sending a warning letter to Greece in relation to the issue. More specifically, the Commission estimates that the Greek legislature sets restrictions to companies of other Member-States that wish to invest in a Greek Mass Media enterprise or to be located in Greece. In the case that the European Commission does not rule the reply as satisfactory, the next stage will be Greeces committal to the European court.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Zagorakis Signs Tomorrow

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The people and fans of PAOK will have to wait one more day, since on Thursday at 18:30 Theo Zagorakis will arrive at the Macedonia Airport. As the FC announced the captain of the Greek team and European Champion will arrive in the afternoon and after he signs his new two-year contract in the clubs offices, he will be officially presented in the Toumba Stadium.

Kostikos Speaks About Theo

In statements made to SuperSpor FM the General Director of PAOK Giorgos Kostikos spoke of the forthcoming collaboration with the leader of the Greek team. "Theo Zagorakis does not need to be introduced," he said. "Everyone knows the captain of the European Champions. PAOK needed a leader and got him. I think that this is an important criterion for us and it will help the new players. He is the greatest role model in Greek football. Zagorakis returns to Greece and PAOK, and everyone will welcome him with love."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Visible By Both Sides Revolution Will Be Televised

By Thanasis Karlos

Sharp has built a new type of LCD monitor, which will truly revolutionize the market. The LCD monitor in question is projecting a different image depending on the angle you are looking at it (right or left). Its mass production will start on July 2005 and is expected to conquer the market since it will be used in many applications.

Double Light Beam from Backlight

Over the past years, LCD monitors have evolved greatly and their use has been widely applied. The lack of depth, lucidity and accuracy of liquid crystal displays have boosted sales and are widely applied in television sets, personal computers, mobile phones, announcement boards and advertisements.

Technology in this "twin" monitor, which is now introduced, is complicated, but in simple words the beam of light from the backlight is sent into right and left directions at the same time, making it possible to show different information and visual content on the same screen at the same time depending on the viewing angle.

One application scenario could be an LCD television set, which will display one channel on the right screen, while displaying a different one on the left screen.

Another application could be in professional monitors, which will display sales offer information to clients on one side while revealing internal data to sales personnel on the other.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[15] With the Approval of the Council of State Works at Maliakos Gulf Continue

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

With a temporary order, the Supreme Administrative Court has given the green light for the continuation of the widening of the National Road at Maliakos Gulf. The works had stopped after a committal of the Agios Konstantinos Municipality, which claimed that its interests were being affected, since the widening burdens the towns road. Minister of Public Works Giorgos Souflias had previously asked the Court of Cessation to recall the temporarty order issued by the 4th Department, citing reasons of public interest. The demand was accepted and the continuation of the works was ordered from the 164 to the 166 km of the Athens-Lamia National Road.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Threatened to Set Himself Afire

By Despina Hristopoulou

A 50-year-old businessman in Thessaloniki threatened to set himself afire if the stores located in 49 Egnatias Street, in the building of the old cinema "Alkazar" did not operate. Avraam Serafeimidis poured benzene on himself and entered the building of the old cinema, which came to the ownership of the Ministry of Culture by a donation. After negotiations, the 50-year-old was persuaded by a police officer to drop his lighter and following was taken to the police station in Dimokratias Square.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] In Tourist Areas Clubs Open Until Morning

By Athina Saloustrou

The closing hours of clubs, bars etc in the tourist areas of Greece are extended with the Joint Ministerial Decision until September 30, 2005. As it is mentioned in the announcement of the Ministry of Public Order, the closing hours of clubs, bars and cafes in tourist areas are as follows: Sunday to Thursday until 04:30 in the morning, while their re-operation is not allowed before 06:00, and they will operate without a time limit on Friday and Saturday, on the eves of official holidays, on the eve and the day of the patron saint, when local holidays will be in force, as well as during local, religious or other popular celebrations. "This decision has a pilot character and will be enforced in the summer in order for all the parameters and consequences to be evaluated, and in order for the matter to be regulated in the future. With this reform we are attempting to contribute to the general growth of tourist areas of Greece," stated Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis and added that the decision was taken after a proposal by the Minister of Tourism Dimitris Avramopoulos, gratifying a series of demands made by local bodies, associations and local government organizations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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