The effective operation of the voluntary system of industrial relations in Cyprus based on two main pillars:
► | The first refers to the commitment of the government and social partners (trade unions and employer organizations) to utilise social dialogue and tripartite cooperation as the main tool for decision making and policy setting. |
► | The second pillar focuses on the safeguarding of the fundamental rights to organise and to bargain collectively, rights that are provided for by the Constitution and by other international standards ratified by the Republic of Cyprus. |
The right of employees to freely choose to organize and be represented by the trade union of their choice, and to seek their assistance to bargain on their behalf to safeguard and promote their rights, is an important fundamental principle.
Trade Unions submitting demands to an employer or an employers' association, on behalf of their members for the signing or the renewal of a collective agreement is by all means a true democratic expression of social dialogue in practice.
The constituent elements that ensure the efficient operation of the industrial relations system, require employer and employee organisations to have a relative balance of bargaining power, thus ensuring the existence of the necessary equilibrium. This equilibrium state of power between the two social partners is the key to the success of the industrial relations system in Cyprus, and if this equilibrium is lost it becomes difficult, if not, impossible to reach consensus based and balanced solutions.
To ensure that the successful operation of the industrial relations system is maintained, the Department of Labour Relations, monitors on a continuous basis, developments in the labour market and the economy, in order to be in a position, when the need arises to propose and promote, in cooperation with social partners, any changes deemed necessary.