The ready-mix concrete industry has plunged into crisis as employers responded to unions’ indefinite strike action with a 48-hour lockout, threatening to paralyse the construction sector.
The Cyprus Ready-Mix Concrete Association announced the lockout measure following the unions’ declaration of an indefinite strike.
The decision was made at an emergency general meeting on November 4, attended by 95% of its members.
In a statement, the association said it had examined “the adverse situation facing our sector due to the unions’ intransigent stance”, noting that despite ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Labour, unions proceeded with organising an indefinite strike that has effectively suspended construction industry operations.
The association expressed strong dissatisfaction with the unions’ approach, which they claim shows disrespect towards all stakeholders, including the Labour Minister, the Cyprus Contractors Association, and public works officials.
The employers’ group said it would reassess its position at another emergency general meeting, indicating the lockout could be lifted if the indefinite strike ends.
They also expressed willingness to continue discussions with the Labour Minister “through democratic and proper procedures”.
The Ministry of Labour is expected to intervene again to help renew the collective agreement and minimise impact on construction and the economy.
The main point of contention appears to be the unions’ demand for full reinstatement of overtime pay.
Michalis Papanikolaou, General Secretary of PEO’s Construction Workers Union, told CNA that workers are seeking renewal of their collective agreement, with demands including general pay increases and reinstatement of the overtime clause.
“No solution was found for these issues and we are at an impasse declared by the mediation service”, he said.
Stelios Tsiapoutis, General Secretary of SEK’s Federation of Builders, Miners and Allied Trades, told CNA the key issue was reinstating overtime compensation.
“If this is resolved, there is no problem”, he added, expressing satisfaction with “near-universal participation in the strike except for isolated cases”.
Both unions emphasise that the overtime arrangement was meant to be temporary, expiring on December 31, 2021, and should have automatically reverted to previous terms under the collective agreement.
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