Collective agreement sorts out Okypy contract staff

After three years of deliberations, state health services Okypy and trade unions signed the first collective agreement regulating the labour rights of staff hired with personal contracts.

Trade unions hailed the agreement as “important”, as it offered a fresh prospect and stability to Okypy employees.

The agreement was signed by Okypy CEO Kypros Stavrides and the leaders of Sek, Peo, Pasydy, Deok, Pasyki and Pasyno trade unions, in the presence of Health Minister Michalis Damianos.

Damianos said the agreement opened up new horizons for better days and cooperation within Okypy.

Stavrides said much still had to be done and that together much could be achieved.

The leaders of Sek, Peo and Pasydy, Andreas Matsas, Soteroulla Charalambous and Stratis Mattheou respectively, said the signing of the agreement laid solid foundations for the viable and qualitative upgrading of health system Gesy, that Okypy could now plan its next steps and that this was just the beginning.

Furthermore, the leaders of Deok, Pasyki and Pasyno, Stelios Christodoulou, Soteris Koumas and Savvas Iacovou, said the agreement signalled a fresh start and gave a sense of respect and stability.

The agreement collectively regulates the employment terms of staff for the years 2023-2025, covering the administrative and secretarial staff, nurses, doctors and other employees hired with personal contracts.