Cyprus Civil Servants to Receive Pay Raises
PASYDY, the union representing Cypriot civil servants, has announced a new agreement with Cyprus’ Ministry of Finance to grant pay raises to state employees starting on October 1. The agreement was reached during a meeting of the Joint Staff Committee on Thursday.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement includes a 1.5% increase in basic salaries, with a minimum raise of 27.40 euros per month. This raise will be applicable to both permanent and retired workers, as well as fixed-term employees.
First Increase Since 2009
This marks the first general salary increase for state employees since January 1, 2009. The economic crisis and a fragile economic climate had led to a freeze on pay raises for over a decade. PASYDY, along with other major trade unions in Cyprus, refrained from requesting raises during tough economic times.
Improving Economic Conditions
With the recent improvement in Cyprus’ economic conditions and a high growth rate, PASYDY felt it was an appropriate time to negotiate salary increases for state employees.
The union also highlighted that similar agreements were reached with other major trade unions in Cyprus, including SEK, PEO, and ICFTU.
Extension of Collective Agreements to State Sector Employees
The recent collective agreements signed between trade unions and the government, which include salary increases for employees in the state sector, will now be extended to other groups of workers. This means that not only state sector employees, but also pensioners and individuals working for semi-state organizations and local authorities, will benefit from the new terms.
This move aims to ensure fairness and equality across all sectors of the public service, providing similar benefits and protections to all employees. It reflects the government’s commitment to supporting workers and improving their working conditions, regardless of their specific employer within the public sector.