Honorary recognition by the International Labour Organization (ILO) of the know-how of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) in matters of labor legislation, labor relations and labor dispute resolution.
Mr. George Hatzikallis, Senior Labour Relations and Social Policy Officer of OEB, was selected among numerous candidates by Employers’ Organisations worldwide, as one of the thirteen Employers’ Representatives to participate in the ILO Tripartite Technical Committee on “Access to Labour Justice for All: Prevention and Resolution of Labour Disputes”.
The Commission met in Geneva, Switzerland, from 17 to 21 February 2025, with the participation of around 80 representatives of governments, employers and workers. Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities presented in national contexts in terms of access to justice, highlighting the importance of preventing and resolving labour disputes to maintain healthy labour relations.
After intensive negotiations, the Commission adopted a set of recommendations including:
- Strengthening the rule of law and social dialogue, and promoting bona fide cooperation in relation to the prevention and resolution of labour disputes.
- Respect, promote and implement the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
- Creation and strengthening of institutions, procedures and mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of labour disputes.
- Ensuring equality and non-discrimination in access to justice.
- Leveraging digital technologies to improve the accessibility, efficiency and fairness of dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms.
OEB plays a leading role in international developments concerning labor relations, actively contributing to the formulation of policies that ensure a stable, fair and productive working environment. By participating in this important international process, it confirms its position as a reliable social partner that promotes solutions that are thorough and based on dialogue and cooperation between employers and employees. Its continued representation in high-level international forums, such as the ILO Technical Committees, amplifies the voice of Cypriot employers and ensures that their positions are taken into account in global policies.
