Working in Cyprus - Representation of Workers

Matters pertaining to collective negotiations, collective agreements and the settlement of disputes and the conditions governing the calling of strikes and the imposition of lockouts are regulated by the Labour Relations Code.

Many workers are members of a union. Negotiations between unions and employers’ associations culminate in collective agreements which determine the terms of employment, including payment levels and increases. The agreements are usually renewed every two years. They are usually concluded at branch level and implemented at the enterprises of the branch.

The largest trades unions in Cyprus are:

• SEK – Cyprus Workers’ Federation
• PEO – Pan-Cyprian Federation of Labour
• DEOK – Democratic Labour Federation of Cyprus
• PASYDY – Pan-Cyprian Public Employees’ Trade Union
• ETYK – Cyprus Union of Bank Employees

The main employers’ and professional organisations are:

• Employers’ and Industrialists’ Federation of Cyprus
• Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The trades unions have branch representations (e.g. for building workers, hotel employees and many others).

• For more information contact the Department of Labour Relations (Tel. +357 22 450 500/1).

Text last edited on: 12/2007

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2008
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