Nicosia, Cyprus. Hotel and leisure-centre unions Ouxeka-Sek and Syxka-Peo have urged immediate workplace inspections, saying the use of temporary workers supplied on a “rental” basis is increasing sharply across the hospitality sector. They said the practice is weakening labour protections and may breach employment laws and collective agreements.
Letters to labour authorities
The unions raised their concerns in letters to Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas, Labour Relations Department director Andis Apostolou and Labour Department director Alexandros Alexandrou.
They said a significant recent increase in temporary or “rented” workers had been recorded at hotels and leisure centres, describing the development as a serious and growing concern.
Legal concerns
According to the unions, the practice contravenes provisions of the Temporary Agency Work Law of 2012, Law 174(I)/2012, and contributes to violations of collective agreements and broader employment legislation.
They also said it was worsening issues linked to the implementation of the new framework governing the employment of workers from third countries.
Earlier warning and inspection plans
The intervention followed a June 17, 2025 letter in which Apostolou informed hoteliers’ associations about the relevant legal provisions and their obligations.
The unions said the practice had continued and was increasing despite that warning, prompting their renewed request for government action.
Similar concerns were raised earlier this month in the construction sector, where Peo, Sek and Deok said the growing use of temporary workers was resulting in collective-agreement breaches, unsafe working conditions and workers being treated as “mere tools”.
The government said last week that the ministry’s inspection service would be doubled from its current eight inspectors to enable more checks targeting illegal and undeclared employment.
Union demands
Ouxeka-Sek and Syxka-Peo called on the ministry’s competent departments to begin inspections at hotels and leisure centres immediately, fully enforce the law, end illegal practices and protect workers’ rights.
