Nicosia, Cyprus. Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas said the government’s planned reforms to the pension system are being drafted “precisely in the spirit” of May Day at an event held by trade union Sek.
May Day message and labour policy
Mousiouttas said May 1 is “an obligation for everyone,” adding that rights are not permanently acquired unless they are protected, adapted to new realities and passed on to future generations. He said the government is “moving precisely in this spirit,” and that the Republic of Cyprus remains aligned with the European direction for the future of work, aiming to better regulate labour relations, strengthen collective bargaining and ensure the adequacy of wages.
He said economic growth has value only when it is accompanied by social cohesion, justice and peace.
Pension reform as priority for the year
Mousiouttas said that if May Day is about dignity at the beginning of working life, pension reform is about dignity at the end of it, adding that today’s worker is tomorrow’s pensioner and that the state must be present “strong and solvent” at every stage of life.
He said the planned pension reforms are the government’s most important priority for this year and outlined three goals: ensuring the adequacy of pensions, mainly for low-income pensioners, to reduce the risk of poverty; promoting solidarity and justice through a system that shares burdens and benefits regardless of age, gender or form of work; and ensuring the sustainability of the system so it remains robust for coming decades.
Timeline and cooperation with social partners
On sustainability, Mousiouttas said the government owes it to children and grandchildren to secure the pension system’s future. He expressed hope that pension reforms will enter force on January 1 next year.
He said May Day is a reminder that working people claim equality, justice and social welfare, and added that the government will continue working with Sek and other trade unions, as well as employers’ organisations, for a Cyprus where no worker faces an uncertain future and no pensioner is left on the sidelines.
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