Construction unions threaten action over work permits for third-country staff

Nicosia, Cyprus. The construction workers’ unions SEK, PEO and DEOK have threatened industrial action over the labour ministry’s decision to renew employment permits for third-country nationals at contractors and subcontractors accused of breaching collective agreements and labour legislation.

Demands set out by the unions

In a joint statement, the unions voiced strong dissatisfaction with the practice. They called on the authorities to refuse permits to employers found to be violating employment laws and collective agreements.

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They also asked for a review of the renewal decisions, including possible cancellation of permits, for companies facing official complaints over labour violations.

In addition, the unions want technical committees to be re-established, with both trade unions and employers’ organisations taking part in assessing applications for third-country employment permits. They also seek tougher inspections at construction sites.

According to the statement, permits for workers from third countries “cannot be approved indiscriminately and without meaningful checks” on whether contractors and subcontractors respect collective agreements and labour legislation.

The unions stressed that, before approving or renewing permits, the labour ministry must make sure employers meet their obligations towards workers and social insurance funds.

Concerns over publicly funded projects

The unions also raised the issue of collective agreement violations on publicly funded construction projects. They noted that contractors carrying out work for ministries, semi-governmental organisations and local authorities are contractually bound to follow the applicable sectoral or prevailing collective agreements.

The statement described it as unacceptable that companies breach collective agreements on projects funded by the Cypriot people while the government rewards them with permits to employ workers from third countries.

The unions argued that the state cannot act as both employer and contracting authority while tolerating or facilitating practices that violate labour legislation.

They further questioned how labour inspectors are expected to identify violations, file complaints and obtain convictions if the state keeps renewing employment permits for the same businesses without meaningful consequences.