Government and unions to discuss public sector sick leave rules

Nicosia, Cyprus. The government and trade unions will begin discussions next month on sick leave rules in the public sector, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said on Wednesday.

The talks will focus on addressing individual cases of misuse while protecting the rights of employees who genuinely need sick leave, union representatives said.

Government proposal

Fitiris told the Cyprus News Agency that a meeting with unions would take place after consultations with the relevant ministries had been completed and a final proposal prepared.

He said the government would discuss the matter with all stakeholders and stressed that its focus was on misuse of sick leave rather than an overhaul of the entire system.

The issue has been under discussion following concerns over cases in which public sector employees have remained absent from work for extended periods while continuing to receive benefits.

Union position

Pasydy secretary-general Stratis Mattheou said the union discussed the issue with Fitiris during a meeting last month.

According to Mattheou, the minister clarified that he was examining individual cases of abuse and was not considering horizontal cuts to sick leave.

Mattheou said Pasydy supported efforts to address misuse but wanted to ensure that the rights of workers with chronic illnesses were protected.

Sek secretary-general Andreas Ilias said unions were ready to enter dialogue with the government, while cautioning that any changes should not limit sick leave for employees who genuinely need it.