Labour minister ‘optimistic’ for builders’ agreement

Ahead of a decisive trade union meeting on July 25, during which construction workers may agree to strike, the labour minister appears “optimistic” that imminent mediation could pan out.

The labour ministry is expected to call a meeting for Friday to hand the trade unions the mediation proposal for the renewal of the sector’s collective agreement.

On July 16, trade unions rejected a government framework for the collective agreement renewal in the construction industry and urging builders to stage a 24-hour strike.

The trade unions said they had no choice but to propose to the workers to stage a 24-hour warning strike.

The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) reported that Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou expected both sides to work towards the smooth renewal of the agreement, safeguarding all workers’ rights.

The labour minister referred to the importance of the construction industry for the growth of the economy.

He added that maintaining stability at home during uncertain times abroad was important.