Leaders from Cyprus’s primary construction unions are calling for closer monitoring of employment practices across the sector to ensure full alignment with national labor standards.
In a joint statement, the leadership of the builders’ guilds, comprising PEO, O.B.O.I.E.K-SEK, and DEOK, emphasized the importance of upholding established employment frameworks. The unions highlighted recent discussions surrounding the use of temporary agency workers, noting that a consistent approach to regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining the industry’s stability and protecting fair workplace practices.
Promoting Compliance with the 2012 Labor Framework
The unified labor organizations noted that clarifying the boundaries of temporary staffing is a matter of statutory compliance.
They pointed out that the Temporary Employment Law of 2012 (Law 174/1 of 2012) serves as a clear guideline for the industry. This legislation was specifically designed to stabilize employment by establishing that temporary agency contracts are restricted in key areas of the economy, most notably:
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The Construction Sector
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The Tourism and Hospitality Sector
By ensuring adherence to these existing legal pillars, the unions believe the sector can secure a more sustainable, long-term workforce.
Constructive Dialogue with the Ministry of Labor
The issue was recently brought to the table during a productive meeting between the General Secretaries of the three major unions and the Minister of Labor, Marinos Mousiouttas.
Union representatives used the opportunity to advocate for the protection of standard Collective Agreements, which they view as vital to maintaining healthy, equitable working environments. They expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the ministry to eliminate practices that undermine fair competition, safeguard social insurance contributions, and ensure that all construction sites continue to offer safe and standard working conditions for every employee.
A Shared Commitment to Resolution
While the guilds indicated that the workforce is prepared to take active steps to protect their industry standards if necessary, the primary focus remains on collaborative enforcement. The unions expressed optimism that the points raised during their ministerial meeting will lead to constructive solutions, reinforcing a transparent and lawful operating environment for both contractors and laborers across Cyprus.
Source : Stockwatch.com.cy