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Hotel Unions Threaten Strategic Strike Over Breached Collective Agreement

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2025

Agreement Breached Amid Rising Tensions

Hotel sector unions have accused employers of violating a collective agreement signed in December, forcing the unions to consider decisive strike measures. The unions have decried what they describe as the hoteliers’ and employers’ associations’ failure to adhere to the terms set forth during the agreement’s signing in the presence of the labour minister. This breach, they claim, is compounded by persistent non-compliance that continues to escalate.

Disputed Provisions and Employer Concerns

The conflict centers on several contractual provisions, including the allocation for a 13th salary, planned escalations in employer contributions to the provident fund—from 5% to 5.25% in 2026 and 5.5% in 2027—as well as augmented holiday pay during Easter, Christmas, and New Year. Although these elements were tabled before parliament as regulations that carry the force of law, employers contend that they had only consented to collective agreements applying exclusively to union members, not to binding legal regulations covering all employees.

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Legislative Developments and Industry-Wide Impact

In a swift legislative move, the House plenary passed the contested regulations during its final session before the summer recess. Despite employer objections, a senior labour ministry official confirmed that in December, hoteliers had willingly endorsed a document that codified the negotiated terms into law. Trade unions, meanwhile, argue that the deal is meant to apply across the entire sector and accuse several hotels of opting out of compliance despite having signed the agreement.

Broader Labor Concerns and Implications for Summer Tourism

Adding another layer to the dispute, unions have highlighted how new hiring criteria for foreign workers have led to deregulated labour relations in the hotel industry. These workers are frequently subjected to exploitative conditions, an issue that further intensifies the unions’ call for reform. As strike actions loom ahead of the peak summer tourist season, union leaders are urging solidarity among workers to mitigate potential disruptions.

Government Intervention and Future Prospects

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou has initiated talks with both parties under the industrial relations code in a bid to resolve the escalating standoff. The outcome of these discussions is expected to be critical in shaping the operational landscape of the hotel industry during one of its busiest periods.

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Foreign Firms Contribute €3.5 Billion To Cyprus Economy In 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 12, 2025

Recent Eurostat data reveals that Cyprus remains an outlier within the European Union, where foreign-controlled companies contribute minimally to the nation’s employment figures and economic output. While these enterprises have a substantial impact in other member states, in Cyprus they account for only 10 percent of all jobs, a figure comparable only to Italy and marginally higher than Greece’s 8 percent.

Employment Impact

The report highlights that foreign-controlled companies in Cyprus employ 32,119 individuals out of a total workforce that, across the EU, reaches 24,145,727. In contrast, countries such as Luxembourg boast a 45 percent job share in foreign-controlled firms, with Slovakia and the Czech Republic following closely at 28 percent.

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Economic Output Analysis

In terms of economic contribution, these enterprises generated a total value added of €3.5 billion in Cyprus, a small fraction compared to the overall EU total of €2.39 trillion. Notably, Ireland leads with 71 percent of its value added stemming from foreign-controlled firms, followed by Luxembourg at 61 percent and Slovakia at 50 percent. On the lower end, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany exhibit values below 20 percent.

Domestic Versus Foreign Ownership

The data underscores Cyprus’s heavy reliance on domestically controlled enterprises for both employment and economic output. However, it is important to note that certain businesses might be owned by foreign nationals who have established companies under Cypriot jurisdiction. As a result, these firms are classified as domestically controlled despite having foreign ownership or management components.

Conclusion

This analysis emphasizes the unique role that foreign-controlled enterprises play within the Cypriot economy. While their overall impact is limited compared to some EU counterparts, the presence of these companies continues to contribute significantly to the island’s economic landscape.