The seven-volume “Labour Relations Officer’s Handbook” series, is published in the context of the “Development Pillars” project, within the framework of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027”, co-funded by the European Union.
Through its actions, the project aims to support ΟΕΒ, as a social partner, to develop its capacity for social dialogue, training, employment, and social policy. Limited information exists in the English language regarding Cypriot labour or the customary framework governing industrial relations. Where such information exists, it is often limited in scope and coverage. The lack of reliable information in English makes it harder for social partners, employer organisations and trade unions, to fulfil their mission. This series will considerably help in addressing the information gap that exists for non- Greek speakers and assist social partners offer responsible information and guidance on the whole spectrum of industrial relations.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to validate its content, this publication is strictly informative in nature and cannot be considered exhaustive of the subject matter it deals with. In no case can it substitute or be considered as specialised professional or legal advice. All mentions to employers, employees or other persons in the text refer both to male and female persons unless explicitly mentioned otherwise. It should be noted that, for lack of any official documents in English, the laws, regulations, and guidelines referred to in this handbook have been translated from the original texts in Greek. Considering the scope of this handbook, we feel obliged to highlight that the translation provided is for informational purposes only. At no point does the text of the handbook constitute an official translation of any law, regulation, or other legal document.
2024 Labour Relations Officer’s Handbook
Fully updated up to December 31st 2024, this series constitutes the first comprehensive guide on Cypriot labour law and practice published in English. The Handbooks cover by topic the span of the Cypriot labour legal framework in a simple and accessible format, as follows:
- Essential Labour Legislation: Summaries of key labour laws covering topics such as maternity and paternity protection, annual leave, working time organisation, retail store operation, fixed-term employment, part-time work, and others.
- Termination of Employment: A summary of the law, including many caselaw examples to make its content more understandable.
- Social Insurance: Presents the key provisions of the Cypriot social security system. It explains basic concepts, eligibility criteria and the way in which the various benefits, supplements, allowances and pensions are determined.
- Labour Disputes Resolution, Industrial Relations Code, Essential Services, Arbitration: Presents the key concepts and explains the procedures embodied in the Industrial Relations Code and the Agreement for the Resolution of Disputes in Essential Services. The Handbook also discusses the main provisions found in collective agreements.
- Health and Safety at Work: Presents the key provisions of the main legislation governing health and safety at work and refers to best practices.
- Equality in Employment and Sexual Harassment: This Handbook addresses issues of equality, discrimination and combating sexual harassment in employment. It also includes a sample of a comprehensive Code of Practice for combating Sexual Harassment at work.
- Labour Policies and Good Practices: A collection of good practices and policies for the workplace. Among others, it includes examples of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, a Disciplinary Code sample, as well as examples of various work-related policies such as for sick leave, maternity leave, annual leave and parental leave.
