Two trade unions have urged the Cyprus government to launch immediate inspections into the use of temporary employment agency workers in the hotel industry and recreation centres, saying the practice breaches labour law.
The unions sent letters to Labour and Social Insurance Minister Marinos Moushouttas, the Director of the Department of Labour Relations, Antis Apostolou, and the Director of the Department of Labour, Alexandros Alexandrou.
In the letters, the unions say there has recently been a significant increase in the number of temporary employment workers, also known as “rented” workers, in the two sectors.
The unions say the practice raises serious concern, as it breaches provisions of the Employment via Temporary Employment Undertaking Law of 2012 [Law 174(I)/2012]. They argue it also contributes to breaches of collective agreements and other labour legislation. They add that it is worsening problems that have emerged from the new framework for employing workers from third countries.
The unions point to a letter sent by the Director of the Department of Labour Relations on 17 June 2025, in which hotel association bodies were informed of the provisions of the relevant legislation and their obligations under the law.
Despite that notice, according to the unions, the practice has not only continued but is increasing.
The two trade unions are calling on the relevant Labour Ministry services to proceed immediately with the required inspections, to ensure full implementation of the law, an end to illegal practices, and protection of workers’ rights.
