Finally, there is optimism in the discussions about wage increases between the unions and business leaders.

"We will do everything within our reach so that the discussions arrive at a happy conclusion," said National Business Council president Lisandro Macarrulla.

Without giving reasons for his optimism, he believes that the impasse will be resolved this week and stated that the council is flexible about increasing their original wage increase proposal.

Rafael Abreu, vice-president of the CNUS unions council also expressed optimism saying that he expects the new proposal by business to include all private sector employees and not just minimum wage and that employers will submit a new proposal that will meet workers' expectations.