Larnaca port workers to transition with new management

The government, alongside port and marina workers' representatives, have struck a deal, announced Minister of Labour Yiannis Panayiotou following a meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the Ministry of Labour, also attended by Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, Alexis Vafeadis.

In efforts to ensure uninterrupted operations at Larnaca's critical port and marina infrastructure, both parties agreed to secure transitional employment for affected personnel through the Larnaca and Famagusta Development Company. This move follows the termination of the government's contract with Kition.

Under the agreement, the tasks performed by these workers related to port and marina operations will be documented for task assignment purposes. Additionally, it was decided that the terms of employment for these workers will be incorporated into the tender terms for the management and development of the port and Larnaca Marina, ensuring continuity of employment under the new contractor.

Minister Panayiotou emphasized the responsibility of the development company of Larnaca and Famagusta in ensuring the transitional employment of terminated staff, with their terms of employment aligning with the existing collective agreement.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis expressed satisfaction with the solution reached, underscoring the importance of securing the future for the workers affected by the changes.

Sotiroula Charalambous, Secretary General of PEO, affirmed that the government's decisions ensure that current port employees will continue to be employed under the terms outlined in the collective agreement.

Charalambos Avgoustis, General Secretary of OMEPEYE-SEK, welcomed the agreement, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding workers' rights and preventing any adverse impact due to the termination of contracts with the previous contractor.

The outlined measures aim to facilitate the seamless continuation of operations at the port and Larnaca Marina, with immediate implementation of the agreed procedures.

[With information sourced from CNA]