Land Development - Construction Reporter
The Minister of Labor and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panagiotou, submitted his final proposal to the employer and union organizations of the ready-mixed concrete sector and said that he expects an answer to it by tomorrow, Saturday.
The Minister's final proposal includes restructured provisions regarding the proportion of overtime compensation and the amount of annual increases.
In a statement after the meeting, the Minister said that "the protection of the public interest necessitates the restoration of normalcy in the ready-mixed concrete industry".
He noted that the Ministry's proposal provides for the renewal of the Collective Agreement in accordance with the negotiation framework, the mediation proposal and the relevant clarifications that have been made and includes reformulated provisions regarding the proportion of overtime compensation and the amount of annual increases.
Regarding compensation for overtime work, which was the cause of the strike, the Minister's proposal provides for compensation of 1:1.40 for weekdays, 1:1.70 on Saturdays and 1:2 on Sundays and holidays, in relation to 1: 1.50 and 1:2 demanded by the workers.
At the same time, the Minister said that the Ministry plans to carry out increased inspections and targeted audits in the sector to comply with the provisions of the legislation regarding working time and insurance contributions.
"The continuation of the confrontation in the ready-mixed concrete industry is now negatively affecting the construction industry and creating serious implications for the Cypriot economy," he said, adding that "collective responsibility dictates a positive response to the Ministry's final proposal to resolve the labor dispute, for the renewal of the collective agreement and for the restoration of labor peace".
The Minister noted that the responses of the two sides are expected by Saturday, November 30, and if the final proposal is accepted by both sides, the signing of the agreement will follow, so that the ready-mixed concrete production sector can operate normally and supply to the construction industry can be restored.
"The Industrial Relations Code provides that workers and employers must act in a spirit of good faith and mutual understanding, bearing in mind the public interest. Today, meeting these obligations is necessary to reach a compromise agreement that will restore order and ensure stability in the industry for years to come," he concluded.
Recording
