Nicosia: Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Yiannis Panayiotou confirmed on Monday that the Ministry of Labour is committed to social dialogue on CoLA. Responding to questions on Monday afternoon, on the sidelines of his presence at the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, the Minister said that in order to achieve this goal, the constructive contribution of all parties involved in the tripartite social partnership is essential.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou emphasized that the position of each side regarding their priorities must be respected. He acknowledged that reaching a mutually acceptable agreement requires compromise, stating that if each party insists exclusively on its own positions, the effort to reach an agreement would be significantly hindered.
The Minister further elaborated on the Government’s clear stance on modernising the CoLA institution. He clarified that the government is not at odds with the business sector or the trade unions, highlighting that their actions are guided by the public interest, which necessitates protecting workers from the rising cost of living.
Panayiotou also addressed hypothetical scenarios of failing to reach an agreement, noting that in such cases, the government would need to fulfill its role and take appropriate actions. However, he reiterated that this scenario does not impede the continuation of social dialogue, to which the government remains committed.
When asked about any scheduled meetings to discuss the issue further, the Minister stated that any developments or announcements would be communicated promptly.