Staff at the St Lazaros foundation for people with disabilities is on a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, demanding the signing of a collective agreement, with the inclusion of the cost-of-living allowance.

The workers, members of trade unions Sek and Peo, will also be taking a memorandum to the deputy welfare ministry on Wednesday.

“This decision was not taken lightly, as we understand the immediate impact the operation of the foundation has on the adult children we care for and love,” the workers said.

They added that “unfortunately, the intransigence of the management has forced us to demand our rights in this manner.”

The staff said efforts have been going on for 15 months and no agreement has been reached, despite the mediation of the labour ministry, which declared a deadlock on January 21.

“Despite our warnings and our symbolic two-hour work stoppage, we have seen no response so far,” the workers said.

They added that a 24-hour strike announced last month was postponed at the request of the labour relations department, however subsequent talks did not produce the desired results.

“Instead, a few days later the board of directors closed personal contracts with pay rises we had agreed on during negotiations, with the aim of breaking up the workers,” they said.