The recalibration of Cyprus' strategy for employing workers from third countries remains one of SEK's top priorities, with the trade union stressing the need for a transparent and credible system to assess the labour market's actual needs.
In a statement, SEK said the issue was raised prominently during a recent meeting between its General Secretariat and the President of the Republic. The organisation said it intends to press the matter again during social dialogue discussions, seeking substantive reforms aimed at restoring balance in the labour market.
SEK argued that the continued reluctance to revise the parameters governing the employment of third-country workers perpetuates exploitation, undermines human dignity and entrenches unfair competition.
Call for labour market assessment
The union renewed calls for a transparent and reliable process for evaluating genuine labour market needs, pointing to data from the Department of Labour indicating that 24% of approved employment permits remain unused.
According to SEK, this highlights the need for a more evidence-based assessment of applications for work permits.
The organisation also called for the re-establishment of Technical Advisory Committees, while making the application of collective labour agreements a key condition of the process.
Equal treatment and workers' rights
SEK said its primary objective is to ensure equal treatment for all workers, protect labour rights and eliminate exploitation.
The union also underlined the importance of linking public contracts to compliance with collective labour agreements, arguing that the state should not reward practices that undermine legality and decent working conditions.
Concerns over exploitation
The organisation said serious cases of worker exploitation continue to be recorded, with some employees reportedly living in unacceptable conditions within or adjacent to their workplaces.
SEK further alleged that, in many cases, workers receive wages significantly below those provided for in collective agreements.
The union cited recent incidents in Xylofagou, the continued practice of labour subcontracting, undeclared and under-declared employment, and illegal work as evidence of a labour market requiring immediate and decisive intervention.
More inspections welcomed, but more needed
SEK welcomed the recent strengthening of enforcement mechanisms through a significant increase in the number of labour inspectors.
However, it said inspections alone are not enough.
According to the union, what is needed is clear political will and concrete decisions that will restore compliance with labour laws, protect human dignity and ensure healthy competition across the labour market.
SEK warned that it would not accept unilateral measures that undermine job quality and signalled that, if the authorities fail to implement the necessary reforms, it may publicly disclose specific practices and identify those responsible.
