Addressing the shortages in Cyprus' labour force is among the priorities of the new Minister of Labour, Marinos Moushiouttas has said.
“I want to be informed where the gaps are, in which professions there are no unemployed Cypriots, what can we do with European citizens, or what can we do, if so required, with foreign workers,” the Minister said in statements to CNA.
Noting that there is already an agreement in place which continues to apply, regarding the employment of foreign workers, Minister Moushiouttas said that he wants to examine the issue more closely, by profession and on a case-by-case basis. “There are professions where we have people, so there is no issue, but there are also professions where we do not have people and will not have them. Do we create conditions to employ Cypriots? Is there such a possibility? If there is not, and that possibility is exhausted, then I move on to the next step", he said, noting that, in consultation with the social partners, "we find the best results.”
He also mentioned that it is in no one’s interest for a business to be unable to operate, but, at the same time, he stressed that the terms agreed in collective contracts must be respected, so that there is no exploitation.
“Our effort as Ministry of Labour, is to ensure labour peace, to uphold the various agreements that exist and, insofar as the state’s finances allow, to improve people’s quality of life. This three-pillar approach is what I will try to follow, always in cooperation with employers, trade unions and organised groups,” the Minister concluded.
(Source: CNA)
