Concerning the 48-hour strike taking place today and tomorrow at Larnaca Public Transport (LPT), the company operating the bus network in the city and district of Larnaca, the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) wishes to clarify the following:
The Ministry of Labour & Social Insurance has provided written clarification that, in cases where trade unions believe there has been a breach of the collective agreement, they are required to present supporting evidence to the Department of Labour Relations prior to taking industrial action. Only the Department of Labour Relations has the authority to determine whether a violation has occurred. No such finding has ever been issued by the Department.
Despite this, and despite the announcement of strike measures by the unions, the company engaged constructively in extended consultations, submitting realistic and improved proposals within the framework of the collective agreement and applicable legislation, with the aim of avoiding confrontation.
LPT serves as a model employer, offering competitive terms and working conditions to its staff, with a long-standing record of respecting all agreed commitments.
The unions’ decision to proceed with strike action unnecessarily and disproportionately penalises the public, particularly those who rely on public transportation, while unjustly targeting a company that consistently fulfils its obligations towards its employees.
The only viable way out of this impasse is through the implementation of the provisions set out in the Industrial Relations Code, and OEB calls upon the Ministry to enforce it fully and without delay.
