Labor Minister Advocates for Workers’ Rights in Larnaca Marina Dispute
In a recent development that has caught the attention of the maritime industry, the Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou has stepped in to support the trade union Segdamelin Peo in its dispute with the Larnaca marina and port managing company, Kition Ocean Port. The heart of the contention lies in the company’s decision to hire external contractors for overtime work, a move that has been met with significant resistance from the port’s workers.
The situation escalated when workers threatened to strike in response to the perceived breach of their February agreement with Kition. However, the strike was averted when both parties agreed to a meeting mediated by Panayiotou. During this meeting, Nadia Kyritsi, Segdamelin Peo’s Larnaca secretary-general, emphasized the importance of honoring agreements. “The agreements between the employer and the employees need to be respected,” she stated, highlighting the crux of the workers’ grievances.
While Kition Ocean Port labeled the potential strike as “unwarranted” and “unjustified,” claiming that only a small fraction of workers were involved and that proper procedures were not followed, Kyritsi remains firm. She clarified that the issue was not about overtime work per se but about Kition’s unilateral decision to employ external contractors in violation of their agreement.
Looking forward, Kyritsi expressed optimism that if Kition adheres to the existing agreement, there would be no further need for industrial action. Both parties are scheduled to meet again in Nicosia to assess the situation and ensure compliance with the agreement until its renewal in June 2025. “Until then, Kition needs to respect the agreement, there is no question about it,” Kyritsi concluded, underscoring the union’s stance on protecting workers’ rights.
