**Unions Express Concerns Over Proposed Sick Leave Reforms in Cyprus Public Sector**
Trade unions in Cyprus have voiced their apprehensions regarding a government initiative aimed at reforming sick leave regulations in the broader public sector. The unions are urging the government to engage in meaningful dialogue rather than proceeding unilaterally with proposed changes.
The initiative, led by Justice Minister Costas Fitiris, seeks to amend existing legislation to address concerns over potential abuse of sick leave among public-sector employees. This comes after a meeting held in June, which included discussions among the ministers of justice, finance, and health regarding the proposed reforms. More recently, Fitiris met with the leadership of the Medical Association to further explore the implications of the changes.
Union representatives have expressed a willingness to engage with the government on this matter, but they emphasize the need for a cautious approach to ensure that the rights of employees who genuinely require sick leave are not compromised. Andreas Elia, the head of the SEK union representing employees of semi-governmental organizations (SGOs), highlighted the importance of a balanced approach. He stated, “It would be wrong to victimise certain people,” referring to those with chronic health conditions who rely on sick leave.
Elia pointed out that protocols are already in place within SGOs, including the presence of a medical officer who reviews all sick leave requests. He stressed that any legislative changes should be the result of comprehensive discussions with the unions, warning against a unilateral approach by the state. “It would be a mistake for the state to go about this unilaterally,” he said, calling for “exhaustive dialogue” before any new legislation is proposed.
Similarly, Nikos Gregoriou, the head of the PEO union, which also represents SGO employees, echoed these sentiments. He noted that any amendments to sick leave regulations would impact not only SGO workers but also employees in municipalities and district local government organizations (EOA). Gregoriou recalled a previous instance where the government introduced legislation concerning sick leave in the public sector but later withdrew it after the PEO was excluded from discussions. He emphasized the necessity of regulating sick leave through social dialogue to achieve a fair balance.
Current civil service regulations allow employees to take up to 42 days of sick leave before a referral to a medical board is required. If approved by the board, employees can extend their sick leave to six months on full pay, followed by an additional six months on half pay. This existing framework has been a point of contention, as unions argue that any changes must consider the rights of workers while addressing concerns over potential misuse.
As the government moves forward with its plans, the unions are advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that the interests of both the public sector and its employees are adequately represented. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the future of sick leave regulations in Cyprus, as both sides seek to find common ground on this sensitive issue.