Labour Minister reaffirms Cyprus' firm commitment to ILO principles

Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panayiotou, has reaffirmed the country’s firm commitment to the principles of the International Labour Organization.

Addressing the 113th General Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) held in Geneva, Switzerland, the Minister on 11 June noted that in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Nicosia would work closely with the ILO to promote tripartite social cooperation between workers, employers and the state, to strengthen social dialogue, economic development and social cohesion.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Labour, Panayiotou reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’ firm commitment to the principles of the ILO and confirmed its active support for initiatives for social justice and democratic values in the field of labour.

Panayiotou, it said, “underlined the importance of the interconnection between quality jobs, legally recognised labour rights and strong economic growth, while emphasising the political will of the Government of Cyprus for shaping conditions of full employment and enhancing wage adequacy.”

In this context, it adds, the Minister referred to the positive trajectory of the Cypriot labour market over the last two years, focusing on the increase in employment by 80% and the reduction in unemployment to less than 5%, “noting that Cyprus ranks first in reducing unemployment among EU member states, while youth unemployment was limited to the lowest rate in recent decades.”

At the same time, Panayiotou "noted that over the past two years, pay raises have exceeded the cost-of-living increase and referred to the importance of increased participation in training programmes on green and digital skills,” it notes.

It also said that the Minister of Labour noted that in view of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus will work closely with the ILO to promote tripartite social cooperation between workers, employers and the state, to strengthen social dialogue, economic development and social cohesion.

(Source: CNA)