Cyprus: Port workers strike on October 17 and 23

Event

Port workers carried out a two-hour strike on Wednesday, October 17, at Limossol port citing unfair working conditions and called for a 24-hour walkout on Tuesday, October 23. Workers at Larnaca port will also launch a strike on October 23 following a breakdown in negotiations over collective bargaining agreements. The ministry of labor stated it will mediate negotiations in an attempt to avoid further strikes. Services at the ports of Limossol and Larnaca will be limited during the strike and additional protests are possible if a deal between cargo operators and workers is not reached during mediation with the government.

Context

Roughly 150 total workers are expected to participate in the strikes at Limassol and Larnaca, and work stoppages are expected to severely impact port operations. The current collective bargaining agreement began in November 2017 and ended in July 2018, although port employers have so far declined to renew the agreement. The ports of Larnaca and Limassol are in close proximity to urban areas, and any demonstration may cause traffic disruption.

Advice

Individuals in Cyprus, particularly near the ports of Limassol and Larnaca, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, expect resultant operational disruptions, avoid demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.