Agreements signed

The agreements were signed by Defence Minister Dr. Csaba Hende, Géza Sipos, Chairman, BEOSZ, and László Breuer, General Secretary, Hodosz. Among others, MoD Administrative State Secretary Lajos Fodor, MoD Parliamentary State Secretary Dr. István Simicskó, Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő, Chief of HDF Defence Staff and Kata Jenei, Secretary, HDF Conciliation Forum were also present at the event.

Defence Minister Dr. Csaba Hende greeted the guests, thanking the leaders of BEOSZ and Hodosz for their constructive role which had led to the conclusion of the agreement. State Secretary Simicskó, who had been representing the Ministry of Defence during the preparatory phase, also underlined the exemplary cooperation.

Defence Minister Dr. Csaba Hende first signed an agreement with Hodosz General Secretary László Breuer, then another with BEOSZ Chairman Géza Sipos. Following the exchange of documents, the meeting was closed with a short informal discussion.

István Simicskó told the press that the agreement between the MoD and the two key representative organizations was an important step. Although the agreement runs for an indefinite period, the amount of financial support specified in it is valid for this year, most of which being a contribution to operating costs, office and car use. The amount earmarked for this year – some HUF 4.5 million in the case of Hodosz, for example – is roughly the two-thirds of last year’s subsidy. The State Secretary pointed out that the reason for the reduction were the necessary cost saving measures introduced by the Ministry. István Simicskó confirmed that negotiations with the third largest representative association, the HDF Trade Union (HOSZ) are in their final stage. We have made significant progress, and both the MoD and the HOSZ are willing to conclude an agreement, the State Secretary said.

Photo: Gábor Galovtsik