NICOSIA- Some 45,000 builders across the island on Thursday began an indefinite strike protesting against failure by contractors to stick to their collective agreements and meet demands that would solve the problem of unfair competition in the industry.
The strike began after a final mediation bid late on Wednesday by Labour Minister Sotiroulla Charalambous to resolve the dispute failed.
“The Labour Ministry’s proposal focused on reducing labour costs with salary reductions, fewer shifts, no travel expenses and longer hours and it was rejected by the employers,” unionist Eftyhios Papamichael told The Cyprus Weekly.
“We accepted the Minister’s proposal in order to save the future of the construction industry,” he added.
The builders are also demanding prototypes to solve the problem of unfair competition in their industry.
They are also protesting against constant dismissals of local workers and their replacement with EU nationals with much lower salaries.