Philenews

Trade Unions Demand Implementation of Ergani 2

Published January 22, 2026, 08:17
Trade Unions Demand Implementation of Ergani 2

Trade unions in Cyprus are pushing for the full implementation of Ergani 2, a system for recording employment relationships that will provide transparency and combat undeclared work. Ergani 2, compared to the initial system, will allow employees to access their relevant data, checking whether their terms of employment are being met by employers. SEK believes that the implementation of the system is urgently needed, especially regarding the employment of foreign workers, as deregulation is observed in this area. SEK argues that recording actual working hours, salaries and contributions will help tackle undeclared work, which is estimated to cost €10 million annually to public funds. Furthermore, data analysis will help in better shaping labor policies and support the Employment Strategy for Workers from Third Countries, preventing further deregulation. The trade union has already raised the issue with the Ministers of Labour and expects a meeting with the President of the Republic to discuss the immediate promotion of Ergani 2. Employers, on the other hand, express reservations about the potential increase in administrative burden that the system could cause, requesting that the needs of businesses be taken into account. In summary, SEK considers Ergani 2 to be an important tool for regulating and controlling the labor market, while employers seek its implementation in a way that does not burden businesses. The outcome of the discussion will determine the future of transparency and worker protection in Cyprus.