CTV general secretary Manuel Cova backs off 30% wage hike demand

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Venezuelan Confederation of Trade Unions (CTV) general secretary, Manuel Cova has retracted his call for a 30% hike in the minimum wage after employer federations reacted strongly against his proposal. 

Cova says his words were misinterpreted and he never demanded a 30% wage increase. "It's not a matter of percentages ... when I was asked about wage increase I said the inflation rate must be taken into account ... last year the rate was 30%, this year it's 40%, so we would be talking about 30%."

Cova now suggests that rather than a unilateral 30% rise, the CTV and unions should hold meetings with individual employers to reach a negotiated agreement. 

"It is understood that the private sector cannot process or digest such a hike  ... we must take into account the situation of each company and come to a joint agreement to improve workers' salaries."