The bill for the new concession contract for the Attica Road was accepted in principle by a majority by the competent parliamentary committee, which is expected to be voted on Thursday by the plenary session of the Parliament.
The ND voted in favor of the bill for the ratification of a service concession agreement for the financing, operation, maintenance and exploitation of the Attica Road, KKE and Niki voted against, while SYRIZA, PASOK, Hellenic Solution abstained from being placed in the plenary session. , the Freedom Sail and the Spartans.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Staikouras, responding to the comments of the extra-parliamentary bodies, who were placed during the committee meeting, defended the positive consequences of the concessions on the operation of the highways and road safety, stating that the achievements of the workers on the highway are guaranteed and informed about the provision of free passage through the Attica Road tolls for citizens with disabilities, something that did not exist in the previous contract and was ensured in this one.
Attiki Odos and employees
At this point, he said that the government is pursuing a series of additional favorable interventions for citizens with disabilities, with the concessionaire and with other concessionaires in Greece.
Furthermore, Mr. Staikouras requested the increased attention of both concessionaires in the coming days, in order to ensure a smooth transition.
The issue of the future of the workers under the new contract was of particular concern at the committee meeting, as it was raised by both the Attica Road – Attic Routes Workers Union and its legal advisor, requesting – regardless of the compensations that will be given due to dismissal – the existing staff to continue working and anyone who wishes to be hired, to be hired with the same salary but also with the working time they had as an indefinite term.
Responding, the minister reiterated that the ministry, in collaboration with the new concessionaire, secured the workers’ labor rights for their work on the highway and managed not to lose a single job.
Thus, the workers will receive their legal compensation due to the termination of their employment relationship with Attiki Odos and Attiki Routes and at the same time the new concessionaire has expressed the intention to proceed with the restoration of their jobs for the new project, for those who wish it.
He concluded by saying that there are relevant references to this matter and the sanctioning law, not just in the contract, but in the chapter of the final provisions (Article 6).
Given that there were representatives of agencies, who expressed their disagreement on the method of financing and utilization of the project, Mr. Staikouras replied that there may be discrepancies regarding the way public projects are carried out in the country, however the essence remains that everyone agrees for the value of the Attica Road.
“Imagine Attica without the Attica Road” he said.
He also noticed that the “concessions”, in addition to financing and maintenance, have helped a lot in the issue of road safety, as based on European studies, our country has achieved goals that other countries have not achieved in terms of reducing accidents by 50% in previous years, which is largely due to the main roads.
Source: APE – MEB
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