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Trade Unions Submit Memorandum to President on Minimum Wage, Labor Issues and Request for Meeting

Published January 5, 2026, 11:22
Trade Unions Submit Memorandum to President on Minimum Wage, Labor Issues and Request for Meeting

Trade unions in Cyprus have submitted a memorandum to the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, regarding four key issues: the national minimum wage, the extension of collective bargaining agreements, the employment of workers from third countries, and the improvement of the 'Ergani 2' system. SEK insists that the amount of the minimum wage is inadequate and disagrees with the view of OEB General Director Michalis Antoniou to halt discussions for two years. Mr. Antoniou argues that increasing the minimum wage will disrupt tripartite cooperation and create chaos in labor relations. SEK responds that the minimum wage is determined by decree, not through dialogue, and that its amount does not reflect the rising cost of living. The trade unions are requesting a meeting with the President to discuss these issues, emphasizing the need to regulate the labor market and protect workers.