Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade unions representing hotel employees said they expect a response in the coming days from the labour ministry on whether to extend a subsidy scheme for the hotel industry, as May bookings continue to lag.
Unions seek clarity after April payroll data review
Representatives of Sykxa, the hotel workers’ union affiliated with Peo, and Ouxeka, affiliated with Sek, said the ministry had been awaiting April payroll data before forming a complete picture and deciding whether to extend the scheme.
Sykxa secretary-general Neophytos Timinis said a meeting at the labour ministry on April 29 examined current data and projections for May, including booking trends, cancellations and forward estimates.
“The data shows some positive movement, but not what would be expected for a strong tourist season,” Timinis said, adding that May is also likely to remain at low levels.
Concerns over workers’ return and benefit eligibility
Timinis said the lack of April payroll data at the time of the meeting meant the ministry could not fully assess whether workers who had been unemployed, particularly those laid off at the end of October, had returned to work.
He said employees who had not resumed work by the end of April risk losing winter unemployment benefits if they fail to complete six months of employment.
Ergani system and inspections expected to clarify situation
While unions are still gathering information, Timinis said the labour relations department is expected to have a clearer picture through the “Ergani” system once payments are finalised this week.
He said there are isolated cases of workers not returning, mainly in the Famagusta district and some in Paphos, with more comprehensive data expected after inspections.
Hotel reopenings and next steps on revised scheme
Timinis said most hotel units have reopened, with only a small number of hotels, mainly within larger groups, remaining closed and staff absorbed into other units.
He said unions expect a follow-up meeting with the ministry after the April evaluation and that a revised subsidy scheme is likely to be presented in the coming days based on the findings.
What impact do you expect a revised subsidy scheme would have on hotel employees who have not yet returned to work?
