Bus drivers at Larnaca Public Transport (LPT) began a 48-hour strike at 5:30am today after the Labour Relations Department of the Ministry of Labour declared the company had flagrantly violated their collective agreement.
The drivers gathered outside the central bus station in Larnaca as the industrial action commenced. Trade unions SEGDAMELIN-PEO, OMEPEGE-SEK and DEE EMPORIKON DEOK had announced the strike action following the ministry department’s ruling on the contract breach.
The disputed violation concerns working hours, with the collective agreement stipulating a 38-hour working week, equivalent to seven hours and 36 minutes daily.
The unions called on the company to “respect its signature” and implement the agreed terms. “It is essential that the Collective Labour Agreement and all agreements between the labour and employer sides are observed and respected by employers,” they stated.
“Trade unions and workers will defend the Collective Labour Agreements and Agreements achieved through free collective bargaining as described in the Industrial Relations Code,” the unions said in their announcement.
The unions apologised to passengers and the public for any inconvenience caused and called for support “in our struggle to defend our Collective Agreements and rights”.
The strike affects all LPT bus services in the Larnaca district, with passengers advised to seek alternative transport arrangements during the 48-hour period.