Cyprus Times

Trade Unions Submit Memorandum to President and Request Meeting

Published January 5, 2026, 11:12
Trade Unions Submit Memorandum to President and Request Meeting

Trade unions have submitted a memorandum to the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, regarding the minimum wage, labor issues and other pending matters, while also requesting a meeting. They believe that the amount of the national minimum wage is insufficient in relation to the rising cost of living and does not correspond to the median wage. In addition, they are requesting the extension of collective agreements, a strategy for the employment of workers from third countries, and the improvement of the implementation of the 'Ergani 2' system. Andreas Matsas, General Secretary of SEK, rejected the positions of Michalis Antoniou, General Director of OEB, regarding the end of the discussion on the minimum wage. OEB believes that the amount of the minimum wage increase is economically unfounded, but emphasizes that the government made the final decision. However, SEK insists that the minimum wage must be adjusted to meet the needs of workers. Mr. Matsas stressed that there are issues that need to be discussed with the President of the Republic and the Minister of Labor, as they relate to previous discussions and agreements. SEK does not share the approach of OEB and believes that the discussion on the minimum wage should not be closed.