**Legislation Covering Civil Service Holidays Largely Approved**
On Monday, a significant legislative proposal aimed at amending civil service regulations in Cyprus received general approval from Members of Parliament (MPs) and trade unions. The proposed bill, which was discussed during a session of the House finance committee, seeks to revise the method of calculating annual leave for public sector employees by taking into account their prior service in the public sector.
Currently, the annual leave entitlement for public-sector workers is determined by a staggered system, where employees accrue more leave days based on their years of service. The new amendment aims to enhance this system by allowing employees to count their previous years of service in other public sector roles toward their annual leave entitlement, regardless of whether they were appointed to their current positions as civil servants.
For instance, an employee who has previously worked under an open-ended contract in the public sector will have their prior service recognized if they subsequently secure a civil servant position. This change is expected to benefit many workers who have transitioned from contract roles to permanent civil service positions, allowing them to accumulate additional leave days based on their overall experience in public service.
However, the proposed legislation does not extend to contract workers who are paid on an hourly basis, a limitation that has raised concerns among trade unions. Approximately 600 individuals fall into this category, and representatives from the Peo union have voiced their apprehensions that the amendment may not adequately address the needs of those who previously worked in local government before being transferred to district local government organizations (EOAs). Additionally, the legislation does not cover employees moving between semi-governmental organizations, such as the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA).
In response to these concerns, a finance ministry official clarified that the proposed changes do indeed include prior service in public-law organizations, which may alleviate some of the apprehensions expressed by union representatives.
The government proposal has garnered broad support from various political parties. The Democratic Rally party (Disy) welcomed the changes and suggested that the issue of including hourly-paid workers should be explicitly incorporated into the bill's text moving forward. This call for inclusion highlights the ongoing dialogue between lawmakers and trade unions as they seek to ensure that the legislation is comprehensive and equitable for all public sector employees.
According to data from the statistical service (Cystat), total employment in the broader public sector reached 78,388 in the first quarter of 2026. This sector encompasses both the general government and publicly-owned enterprises. Within the general government, there are 73,236 employees, the majority of whom are engaged with the central government, while others work for non-profit organizations and local authorities. Publicly-owned enterprises account for an additional 5,152 employees, with approximately 4,200 individuals working under open-ended contracts in the broader public sector.
The proposed amendment to civil service holiday regulations reflects a growing recognition of the importance of fair leave entitlements for public sector workers. By allowing employees to carry over their prior service into their current roles, the government aims to create a more equitable system that acknowledges the contributions of all public sector employees, regardless of their employment status at different points in their careers.
As discussions continue, the potential for further refinements to the legislation remains open, with stakeholders keen to address any remaining gaps and ensure that the final bill serves the best interests of all public sector workers in Cyprus. The ongoing collaboration between government officials, MPs, and trade unions will be crucial in shaping a fair and effective framework for annual leave entitlements in the public sector.