Delivery services will remain among the most active sectors during the Christmas and New Year period in Cyprus, despite reduced movement on public holidays, according to union representatives.
Speaking on Sigma’s programme Mesimeri kai Kati, Neofytos Timinis, General Secretary of the Hotel and Leisure Workers Union of PEO, said delivery remains a core part of daily life for Cypriots, particularly during the festive season.
Reduced movement on holidays, normal service on eves
Timinis noted that delivery activity may be reduced on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and possibly the following day, mainly due to restaurants and cafés being closed.
However, he clarified that on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, delivery services continue operating normally, serving homes and offices across the island.
“The festive period gives delivery its moment,” he said, pointing out that the sector expanded rapidly after the pandemic and has since become firmly embedded in everyday consumer habits.
No public holiday, but higher pay and incentives
According to Timinis, delivery workers are not exempt from working on public holidays, including Christmas.
“There is no holiday for delivery drivers,” he said, adding that higher daily wages are provided, while some platforms also offer additional financial incentives for specific time slots to ensure continued service during peak demand.
Safety measures during extreme weather
Timinis also recalled that since 2024, following union interventions, delivery work has been officially included in thermal stress warnings.
Protocols are in place to suspend work when orange or red weather warnings are issued, whether due to extreme heat or severe weather conditions. In cases of dangerous weather events, temporary suspensions have been implemented in specific districts or cities.
New rules and mandatory equipment from 2026
Significant regulatory changes will come into force from 1 January 2026.
The system for issuing learner permits to delivery riders will change, introducing structured training, practical instruction and gradual integration into road use. The scheme will be implemented under the supervision of the Department of Road Transport, aiming to improve training and road safety.
In addition, the mandatory use of high-visibility vests will be introduced for delivery workers.
Gradual regulation of the sector
Timinis said that more employers, fleet managers and operators are gradually joining the sector’s collective agreement, acknowledging that delivery work remains a relatively new field with regulatory gaps.
“It is something new for us over the past two to three years, but we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Also read: Christmas weather turns rainy
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