Trade unions in the hotel industry are seeking guarantees for the implementation of agreements between unions and hoteliers, emerging as a key reason behind PEO union’s rejection of Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou’s proposal for renewing the sector’s collective agreement.
PEO hotel workers’ union (SYXKA-PEO) secretary-general Neophytos Timinis told state radio yesterday that the union was also dissatisfied with the lack of retroactive pay increases for workers, despite tourism’s strong performance over the past two years.
When asked about potential industrial action following the proposal’s rejection, Timinis declined to pre-empt decisions by SYXKA-PEO’s collective bodies, referring to tomorrow’s union secretariat meeting.
The OUXEKA-SEK union is expected to decide on the mediation proposal on Thursday, having received an extension from the Labour Minister due to their leader’s absence abroad.
SEK secretary-general Andreas Matsas confirmed significant concerns about the proposal’s provisions, suggesting the union is likely to reject it.
The employers’ associations PASYXE and STEK accepted the minister’s proposal despite reservations.
PASYXE director-general Philokypros Rousounides stated that the association had stretched beyond its limits to maintain industrial peace amid ongoing external challenges facing the sector.
A lack of trust between employers and unions has emerged as a significant challenge. Timinis expressed doubts about both the proposed wage increases and the securing of the 13th salary, despite the proposal including relevant provisions in existing regulations covering hotel workers’ rights.
The PEO union leader suggested that hoteliers might cite individual employment contracts to redistribute wages across 13 payments rather than providing an extra month’s salary.
He emphasised the union’s original demand that the sector’s collective agreement should apply to all staff and all hoteliers.
Despite the challenging situation, the Labour Minister remains optimistic about securing industrial peace, stating he expects concerns to be addressed through discussions in the coming days.
“I suggest we maintain our composure and manage any difficulties and challenges together through social dialogue”, he said during a visit to a construction site during Work Safety and Health Week.
