Dorita Yiannakou
Trade unions are clashing over the proposed framework for regulating the employment of workers from third countries. The Labour Department recently shared the draft framework with union representatives, requesting their feedback by Friday. However, union leaders are far from aligned, expressing dissatisfaction and raising significant concerns during a clarification meeting with the Labour Department director earlier today, according to sources.
Insiders reveal that unions are not only dissatisfied with the details of the framework but also fundamentally oppose its overall philosophy. This dissatisfaction is expected to escalate, with unions preparing to respond strongly in the coming days. It’s understood that their feedback will not only include proposals but will also be accompanied by statements outlining their objections to the framework.
Union leaders argue that any regulatory framework should prioritize continuity and consistency. Their goal is to improve the labour market’s functionality and eliminate unfair competition. They contend that the current draft framework falls short of achieving these objectives.
Meeting for Clarity
In a bid to address the growing tensions, the Labour Department convened an explanatory meeting outside the usual framework of the Labour Advisory Board. The aim was to expedite the process and finalize the framework within January. Despite this effort, unions remain resistant to the proposed measures.
Government’s Position
On the government’s side, officials argue that Cyprus’s labour market and broader economy have created conditions for full employment. They cite an employment rate of 79.8% and a sharp drop in unemployment to just 5%, with only 10,896 individuals currently registered as unemployed.
Given these numbers, the government insists that bringing in third-country nationals through legal channels is essential to sustaining economic growth. They argue that these workers are needed to fill gaps in the labour force and support the economy’s upward trajectory.
Employers Weigh In
Employers share the government’s perspective, emphasizing that full employment has already been achieved. They believe the contribution of foreign workers is now critical to maintaining the current pace of economic growth.
As the deadline for feedback approaches, it remains to be seen whether the unions and the government can bridge their differences or whether this issue will escalate further.
*This article was translated from its Greek original
