Nursing unions say collective agreements for nurses, including foreign recruits, are non-negotiable

Nicosia, Cyprus. Nursing trade unions have declared that collective labour agreements safeguarding the rights and benefits of current and future nurses, including those hired from abroad, are not up for negotiation. They made the statement after the House health committee met on Thursday to discuss proposed legislative changes on employing nurses from third countries.

Staffing and working conditions

SEK, PEO, Pasydy and Pasyno issued a joint statement restating their view that Cypriot nurses could cover the staffing needs. The unions said that setting employment conditions through collective agreements would help draw in staff and stop more people leaving the profession.

Language requirements

The unions argued that language proficiency is chiefly about patient safety and quality of care. In their view, the requirements should match the responsibilities of nursing staff and allow effective communication with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Criticism of the health ministry

The unions voiced strong dissatisfaction with the health ministry. They said it had not convened a meeting of trade unions, nursing representatives and employers’ organisations, even though it had been allotted 15 days to promote dialogue on a comprehensive solution.

Opposition to the amendment

According to the unions, the discussions in the House health committee showed that the conditions for consensus were absent. They said the proposed amendment should not go to the House plenum in its present form.

Response to employers

The unions rejected assertions by the employers’ federation OEV and the private hospitals’ association (Pasin) as unsubstantiated, saying these groups had not helped to tackle the problems of the nursing sector. They warned that they would be “a barrier to any attempt to downgrade the nursing profession or introduce any regulation that could endanger the quality and safety of care provided in Cyprus’ hospitals”.

Call for planning and dialogue

The unions concluded that tackling healthcare staffing shortages demands serious planning, reliable evidence and meaningful dialogue. They added that policies must also protect healthcare standards and strengthen the nursing profession.