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PEO: Trade Unions are Not Lobbyists

Published February 18, 2026, 12:13
PEO: Trade Unions are Not Lobbyists

The PEO (Pan Cypriot Federation of Labour) strongly reacts to a letter from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare requesting trade unions to register with the Independent Authority Against Corruption as special interest groups if they wish to meet with ministry officials on matters not strictly related to labor conditions. The PEO deems the request unacceptable, emphasizing that the trade union movement has a history of fighting for the rights of workers, both labor and social. The organization recalls that the state traditionally recognizes the role of trade unions as representatives of collective interests. It questions whether the pursuit of social policies can be considered lobbying, given that trade unions do not derive economic benefit from their interventions. The PEO calls on the government to withdraw the letter and recognize that worker representatives are not lobbyists, but serve the common good. It warns that such approaches undermine social dialogue and cohesion. The organization argues that the effective fight against corruption requires focusing on other areas and not demonizing trade unions, which contribute to building a society based on cooperation and dialogue.