Nicosia, Cyprus. Isotita trade union said on Monday that an order to launch an administrative investigation against a Game Fund employee was a “direct attempt to silence and intimidate” him. The union called on the service to retract the instructions.
Union letter cites TV remarks and investigation order
In an open letter to Game Fund head Pantelis Hadjiyerou, Isotita said it learned “with surprise and grave concern” of a letter from Hadjiyerou instructing a senior staff member to investigate remarks made on Rik TV on February 13.
Claims of misunderstanding of legal framework
Isotita said the action against Game Fund union representative Apostolos Mouzouras for statements made in his trade union capacity “reveals a dangerous misunderstanding of the current legal framework and constitutes a direct attempt to silence and intimidate”.
Call to focus on issues raised by the union
The union said that instead of spending time on what it described as “a witch hunt” and an attempt to demonstrate authority against those highlighting problems, the administration and employer side should focus on the substance of the union’s complaints.
Demand to withdraw investigation instructions
Isotita called on Hadjiyerou to respect trade union roles and rights and to immediately retract the order for an investigation.
What steps should be taken to ensure trade union representatives can speak publicly without facing administrative investigations?