Trade unions are calling for public contracts to be linked to compliance with collective labour agreements, submitting specific proposals to the President of the Republic on how such a policy could be applied.
In a joint letter sent by SEK, PEO and DEOK following their last meeting on 25 February, the organisations outlined their position that procurement rules should include conditions requiring the implementation of collective agreements.
During that meeting, unions had been asked to identify sectors of economic activity where such conditions could be introduced. In response, they proposed that the initial focus should be on the security and guarding sector, as well as cleaning services.
At the same time, they suggested that the same principles should be examined for broader application, including organisations and entities that receive state subsidies or make use of public resources.
The unions stress that collective agreements are a key tool for social protection and fair competition, calling on the government to move forward with the implementation of the agreed direction. They argue that such measures would increase the number of workers covered by collective agreements and align Cyprus with European Union targets.
According to the organisations, there was agreement during their meeting with the President on the need to advance this policy without delay.
