**Cyprus Hotel Unions Demand Action Against Rising Use of Temporary Workers**
Trade unions representing hotel and leisure-centre workers in Cyprus are sounding the alarm over the increasing reliance on temporary workers supplied on a “rental” basis. In a series of letters addressed to key government officials, including Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas and Labour Relations Department Director Andis Apostolou, unions Ouxeka-Sek and Syxka-Peo have called for immediate workplace inspections to address what they describe as a significant threat to labor protections within the hospitality sector.
The unions report a marked rise in the employment of temporary or "rented" workers in hotels and leisure centres, a trend they characterize as alarming. They argue that this practice not only contravenes the Temporary Agency Work Law of 2012 (Law 174(I)/2012) but also leads to violations of collective agreements and broader employment legislation. The unions assert that the increasing use of such workers exacerbates existing issues related to the employment of individuals from third countries, further complicating the labor landscape in Cyprus.
Despite previous warnings issued by the Labour Relations Department, which had informed hoteliers of their legal obligations regarding temporary workers, the unions claim that the situation has not improved. In a letter dated June 17, 2025, Apostolou had outlined the relevant legal provisions, yet the unions report that the trend of employing temporary workers has only intensified since then.
This call for action comes on the heels of similar concerns raised in the construction sector, where unions have highlighted that the growing use of temporary workers has led to violations of collective agreements, unsafe working conditions, and a perception of workers as "mere tools." The unions are advocating for a comprehensive approach to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure compliance with labor laws.
In response to these growing concerns, the government recently announced plans to bolster its inspection services. The Ministry of Labour stated that the number of inspectors would be increased from eight to sixteen, enabling more thorough checks aimed at combating illegal and undeclared employment practices. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing the issues raised by the unions and ensuring that the rights of workers in the hospitality sector are protected.
Ouxeka-Sek and Syxka-Peo are urging the ministry to prioritize inspections in hotels and leisure centres, emphasizing the need for immediate action to enforce the law and eliminate illegal employment practices. Their demands reflect a broader concern about the implications of temporary work arrangements on job security and worker welfare in Cyprus.
As the hospitality sector continues to navigate the complexities of labor regulations and the demands of a changing workforce, the unions' call for government intervention highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the industry. The outcome of these developments will likely have significant implications for labor relations and the overall stability of the hospitality sector in Cyprus.