A resolution has been reached to conclude the nearly month-long strike in the concrete sector. Trade unions announced on Sunday their approval of a proposal put forward by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou. The deal is designed to renew the workers’ collective labour agreement, but it still requires agreement from employers’ associations.
The strike, which began on November 7, centered on workers’ demands for overtime pay and the restoration of pre-2013 collective labour agreement conditions. These concessions were originally made during the economic crisis to support the construction industry. Union leaders argued that these temporary measures had served their purpose and that workers deserved fair compensation reflecting the current economic climate.
Peo Secretary-General Sotiroula Charalambous described the workers’ demands as fundamental rights, emphasizing that the agreement made during the crisis came with an expiration date. She stated, “In 2024, workers should not have to forgo overtime pay in a thriving industry.” Sek Secretary-General Andreas Matsas added that the focus of the unions’ efforts was to ensure that workers were fairly compensated for time spent working beyond their standard hours. He stressed the importance of reinforcing labor regulations to protect workers’ rights and strengthen the labor market.
The proposal put forth by Panayiotou includes provisions for overtime pay and gradual salary increases over three years. Workers will receive overtime rates of 1.4 or 1.45 times their hourly rate for weekdays and 1.7 times for weekends. Additionally, their weekly pay will increase by €12 in the first year, followed by increments of €8.50 in the second and third years, amounting to a total increase of €29 per week by the end of the agreement.
The construction industry has suffered significant financial losses due to the strike, estimated to be between €80 million and €100 million. The concrete makers’ association had called on workers to return to their jobs to help mitigate the impact of the strike and resume normal operations. They also urged unions and workers to take responsibility and end the disruption while committing to dialogue with employers.
This agreement marks a turning point for the workers and the sector. It highlights the importance of balanced labor practices and the shared responsibility of workers and employers in ensuring the construction industry’s stability. While the unions have welcomed the agreement as a step toward progress, formal discussions with employers are now expected to finalize the deal and bring the industry back to normal operations.
Source: Cyprus Mail