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Construction Industry Secures Collective Agreement Until 2027

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 30, 2024

In a significant development for the Cypriot construction industry, the collective agreement has been renewed until the end of 2027. The renewal follows the acceptance of a mediatory proposal by the social partners in the sector, including PEO, SEK, DEOK, and OSEOK. The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panagiotou, highlighted the agreement as a collective triumph of tripartite social cooperation, serving the public interest and benefiting all parties involved.

The agreement emerged from a proposal submitted by the Minister on 19 July, marking a successful negotiation process between trade unions and employers’ associations. Panagiotou emphasised that the agreement ensures labour peace within the construction industry, a critical factor for the sector’s growth and the stability of the Cypriot economy, especially in a volatile global environment.

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Key aspects of the agreement include the restoration of wage reductions from the past decade and the introduction of planned salary increases and benefits over the coming years. Additionally, specific actions are outlined to enhance wage convergence and tackle illegal and undeclared work effectively.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the leadership of the trade unions and employer organisations for their constructive collaboration, which is essential for implementing the agreement’s provisions. This cooperation is expected to improve labour relations and enhance the operational framework of the construction industry concerning labour issues.

The formal signing of the agreement is scheduled for 31 July 2024 at the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. This agreement marks a critical milestone in maintaining a stable and prosperous working environment in Cyprus’ construction sector, setting a precedent for other industries.

This renewal is anticipated to positively impact the construction industry, contributing to the broader economic stability and development of Cyprus. By ensuring fair wages and working conditions, the agreement aims to foster a productive and harmonious industrial environment, crucial for the island nation’s economic trajectory.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.