Labor Minister Yiannis Panayiotou expressed concern over the situation in the ready-mix concrete industry following the rejection of a mediation proposal by trade unions.
In a written statement, the Minister announced a meeting scheduled for Thursday morning at the Ministry of Labor, involving senior representatives of social partners in the ready-mix concrete production and construction industries, as well as leaders from the trade unions SEK and PEO and employer organizations OEB and KEBE, to assess the situation.
“A collective demonstration of responsibility is essential, and the Ministry of Labor will utilize all available resources to protect the economy and society from the consequences of this dispute,” he said.
The Minister referenced meetings held on Wednesday at the Ministry with representatives of employer associations and trade unions in the ready-mix concrete sector. Both sides presented their positions on the mediation proposal for renewing the sectoral agreement.
According to the Minister, the Ready-Mix Concrete Producers Association accepted the proposal with certain conditions, while the trade unions SEK and PEO rejected it and reverted to their original demands.
“Unfortunately, the decision by the trade unions to reject the mediation proposal, revert to their initial demands, and continue strike action does not facilitate de-escalation and does not help reach an agreement,” Panayiotou noted.
He emphasized that despite the ongoing disagreements and the efforts made, restoring normalcy in the sector and ensuring the supply of ready-mix concrete to the construction industry is essential for maintaining the stability of Cyprus’s economy.
(CNA/THNE/GVA)
