Cyprus' main nursing unions have described the existence and implementation of Collective Labour Agreements (CLAs) as non-negotiable, insisting they must cover both existing nurses and those who join the profession in future, including staff recruited from abroad.
In a joint statement issued following Thursday's meeting of the House Health Committee, which examined proposed legislative amendments concerning the employment of nurses from third countries, the unions reiterated their position that staffing needs can be met by Cypriot nurses.
The statement was issued by OUYK-SEK, SEVETTYK-PEO, PASYDY and PASYNO.
Staffing needs can be covered locally
The organisations argued that regulating employment terms through collective agreements would strengthen recruitment efforts and help prevent nurses from leaving the profession.
According to the unions, better employment conditions would contribute to a more sustainable workforce and improve retention across the sector.
Language skills linked to patient safety
The unions also stressed that language proficiency is, above all, a matter of healthcare quality and patient safety.
They said language requirements for nurses should reflect the actual responsibilities of the profession and ensure safe and effective communication with both patients and other healthcare professionals.
Criticism of the Health Ministry
The organisations expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Health, saying that despite having a 15-day period available to do so, it failed to convene a meeting involving trade unions, nursing representative bodies and employer organisations to hold what they described as a meaningful dialogue on a comprehensive and evidence-based solution.
They added that, based on discussions before the House Health Committee, the conditions do not currently exist for a consensus solution or for the proposed legislative amendment to proceed to the House plenary in its present form.
Objections to employers' arguments
The unions also dismissed claims made by the OEB and PASYIN, describing them as unsubstantiated and arguing that they do not contribute to addressing the sector's underlying challenges.
They said they would act as a "barrier against any attempt to downgrade the nursing profession or any regulation that could jeopardise the quality and safety of care provided in Cyprus' hospitals".
Call for evidence-based planning
Concluding their statement, the organisations said addressing healthcare staffing shortages requires serious planning, reliable data and meaningful consultation among stakeholders.
They argued that policies should focus on safeguarding the quality of health services while protecting and strengthening the nursing profession.
Source: CNA
