Labour minister hopes for builders’ agreement in July

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou appeared optimistic that the builders’ collective agreement, pending since 2022, would be finalised this month.

Panayiotou presented to the employers and trade unions on Wednesday the mediation proposal to be submitted by the labour ministry for the renewal of the collective agreement in the construction industry.

He said the issue should be wrapped up in July, “either positive or negative” and expressed optimism that “the conclusion will be positive.”

The approach of the labour ministry addressed the need to reach a solution that will secure the smooth running and stability necessary to implement growth prospects for the economy until the end of 2027.

The proposed improvements, the minister said, meet the needs of both sides in a fair and balanced manner, so that they can be agreed on, implemented and have a positive impact.

Panayiotou also outlined the measures regulating labour relations in the construction industry, for the effective handling of undeclared or underdeclared work, as well as bridging the cap between salaries provided for by law and those actually paid to the workers.

The proposal will be submitted to the parties in detail for their comments.