Pasydy discusses public sector reform and workplace issues with government

Nicosia, Cyprus. Civil servants’ union Pasydy discussed outstanding issues affecting the public sector workforce with President Nikos Christodoulides, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos and Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas on Tuesday.

The meeting addressed permanent employees’ status, digital transformation and progress on civil service reform, according to the union.

Union response

Pasydy general secretary Stratis Mattheou said the union was pleased with the meeting’s outcome and was awaiting further contact with the finance ministry on the issues raised.

Asked whether the ministry had approved the union’s demands and whether these involved financial costs, Mattheou said Pasydy had not requested wage increases.

Public service modernisation

Mattheou said discussions focused mainly on modernising the public service, with the union seeking a service that is “modernised, efficient, friendly and supports residents, businesses and the state.”

He also described conditions in some public sector buildings, including those used by social welfare services, as “third world”.

A plan exists for the gradual construction of government buildings, he said, but its implementation depends on government budgets and cannot be completed immediately.

Reform timetable

Recommendations for the planned public sector reform are expected by the end of September, while timeframes for other outstanding matters have been set until the end of the year.

The recommendations are due to be formally submitted to the president by a joint working group involving the finance ministry, the public service committee and Pasydy.