Major players in Cyprus’s concrete industry are warning they may be forced to place workers on mandatory leave, as the ready-mix concrete sector strike enters its third week with no resolution in sight.
The Cyprus Concrete Manufacturers Association issued a statement calling on the government to protect ready-mix concrete companies and ensure their uninterrupted operation, citing significant impacts on the construction industry and the broader Cypriot economy.
The situation reached a critical point after trade unions rejected the Labour Minister’s invitation to enter new negotiations for a compromise solution.
The Association, whilst acknowledging workers’ right to strike, alleged that strikers were intimidating non-striking employees and preventing them from performing their duties.
“The ongoing strike is paralysing the construction sector and threatens to trigger chain reactions across multiple industries, including quarrying”, the Association said in its statement.
Industry sources indicate the crisis has spread throughout the sector, from quarries to concrete production and construction.
Trade unions have expressed dissatisfaction with being blamed for the deadlock in industry negotiations and collective agreement renewal.
They maintain their positions are clear and refuse to enter new negotiations with employers on a give-and-take basis, warning this could jeopardise previously agreed terms.
However, they remain open to considering new proposals directly from the Minister.
Government sources suggest the Labour Ministry is disappointed with the unions’ negative response.
The government view is that expecting to achieve 100 per cent of demands is unprecedented in labour relations, as compromises typically involve concessions from all parties.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Tuesday called for all parties to rise to the occasion and demonstrate responsible behaviour appropriate to current circumstances.
He noted that the Labour Minister had submitted mediation proposals to prevent potential chain reactions in the industry.
