Department of Labour Relations, Social Policy & Human Resource Development

The Department of Labour Relations, Social Policy & Human Resource Development which is manned by trained and experienced personnel, provides member companies guidance, support and information on all subjects in Labour relations issues in accordance with labour laws and industrial relations practices. (Labour legislation, collective bargaining and labour dispute resolution, health and safety at the workplace, social Security e.t.c.).  Also helps the Council of the CCCI in formulating labour policy and lobbying and promote it through social dialogue and dialogue with public authorities. It organises training programmes and seminars that are addressed to the business community. It represents the Chamber in tripartite Advisory Boards and Committees which deals with labour and Social Issues.

Services Provided

• Representation and Advocacy
  • Represents, promotes, and defends the views of employers in tripartite committees and councils where labour and social issues are discussed, including the Labour Advisory Body, Social Insurance Council, Cyprus Productivity Council, National Committee of Employment, and Committees of the European Union on Labour matters.
  • Represents members in discussions with trade unions and public authorities on all labour issues.
• Advice and Assistance
  • Advises and assists members in negotiating or collectively bargaining with trade unions at both sectoral and enterprise levels, including the evaluation of labour demands, provision of information, and conducting negotiations on their behalf.
  • Provides support in handling labour disputes with trade unions, including mediation and arbitration processes at the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.
  • Offers guidance on managing labour disputes and addressing personnel issues that arise daily in the workplace.
  • Provides assistance with inspections and ensures compliance with corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards.
  • Advises on effective human resources management practices.

• Compliance and Implementation Guidance
  • Offers advice and guidance on the correct implementation of labour laws, including the Termination of Employment Law, Social Security, Maternity Leave Law, Part-Time Employment Law, Organization of Working Time Law, Fixed-Term Employee Law, and the broader range of labour legislation.
  • Provides detailed labour market information, covering wage systems and levels, wage trends and fringe benefits, terms and conditions of employment, working time, annual leave, maternity leave, sick leave, social security, and provident fund matters.
  • Advises on health and safety issues in the workplace according to the provisions of all relevant labour laws.
• Information Transfer and Training
  • Ensures that employers are informed of current developments and changes in labour law and labour relations practices.
  • Organizes conferences, training sessions, and seminars on labour laws and labour relations practices.
  • Issues publications, newsletters, and booklets on labour issues to keep members informed.
• Assistance with Foreign Workforce
  • Assists members in obtaining permits for importing foreign workforce.
• Engagement with European-Level Policies
  • Monitor and Engage with EU Policies: Actively monitor developments in European-level policies concerning labour relations, social policy, social dialogue and human resource development. Engage with these policies to ensure that the interests of member companies are represented and protected.
  • Policy Integration and Alignment: Ensure that national labour policies are aligned with European directives and initiatives.
  • Creation of Contact Points: Establish dedicated contact points within the department to facilitate communication between stakeholders of national social partners and European institutions. These contact points will ensure that stakeholders are regularly informed about new policies, initiatives, and frameworks at the EU level.
  • Facilitate Information Flow: Provide a structured flow of information regarding EU policies to national social partners, ensuring they are up-to-date on relevant European frameworks and agreements. This includes organizing briefings, workshops, and dissemination of EU policy documents.
  • Support in EU Policy Implementation: Assist member companies in implementing and complying with European directives and agreements, by providing tailored guidance and support.
  • Representation in EU Dialogue: Represent the interests of member companies in dialogues with European institutions and bodies concerning social policy and digitalisation, ensuring their concerns and needs are addressed at the European level.

Staff of the Department
Emilios Michael, Director
Christos Tanteles, Senior Officer
Andreas Alexi, Officer
Zoe Pieridou, Officer
Eleftheria Xenophontos, Administrative Personnel

Contacts details of the Department
Tel: +357 22 889880
Fax: +357 22 665685
Email: freedom@ccci.org.cy