Industrial relations updates, including the discussions for the introduction of a National Minimum Wage, were the focus of the 10th SLRNetwork meeting. More than 145 professionals in the fields of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management had the opportunity to be informed and be updated on important current affairs.
SLRNetwork was implemented within the framework of ‘Sound Industrial Relations, Contemporary Enterprises’, a project cofounded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union’s European Social Fund. Due to covid-19 restrictions, the event took place online.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Costas Christofides, Deputy Director General of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB), thanked the keynote speakers for their contribution as well as all the participants, noting that crucial industrial relations issues are currently being discussed between social partners.
Ms. Lena Panayiotou, Director of OEB’s Industrial Relations and Social Policy Department, commented in her first presentation on the discussions relating to the introduction of a National Minimum Wage, its projected benefits and the challenges posed to businesses and the economy.
Mr. Polyvios Polyviou, Officer of OEB’s Industrial Relations and Social Policy Department, addressed in his intervention the discussions taking place among social partners regarding the modernisation of the country’s strategy for the employment of third-country nationals and the problems businesses face due to labour shortages.
In her second presentation, Ms. Panayiotou addressed various current issues, namely the bill to modernize public employment services, the discussions for regulating telework and the recent extension of maternity leave and benefit for second and third child.
The meeting was concluded with a Q&A section during which all the questions submitted by the participants were answered.
