Employment practice labour rights

CUT fully recognises and safeguards the labour rights of all employees, including the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, in accordance with Cypriot and European labour law. These rights apply equally to academic, administrative, permanent, non-permanent, and international staff, ensuring inclusive participation and representation across all employment categories.

A Collective Agreement between the University and the recognised trade unions establishes the framework for collective bargaining, consultation, and protection of employment rights. The most recent Collective Agreement (2021–2023), which remains in force while a new version is under negotiation, guarantees employees’ rights to union participation, social dialogue, and consultation with the University’s leadership.

CUT recognises several active trade unions representing the University’s workforce. The two largest unions are ΣΑΠΤΕΠΑΚ (Academic Staff Union) and ΣΥΤΕΠΑΚ (Administrative Staff Union). Their statutes explicitly provide equal rights of participation and membership for all employees regardless of gender, contract type, or nationality.

Evidence: Statutes of the Academic Staff Union- ΣΑΠΤΕΠΑΚ, Articles 4 & 12; and the Administrative Staff Union- ΣΥΤΕΠΑΚ, Articles 4 & 12

Union participation is broad and inclusive. In 2024, all CUT unions combined consisted of 444 members, including 209 men, 235 women (53%), 391 Cypriot staff and 53 international staff (12%). This composition demonstrates CUT’s commitment to equitable and non-discriminatory access to union representation. CUT’s unions represent all categories of personnel- academic, administrative, permanent, non-permanent, and international- ensuring that women and international staff participate fully in union activities, decision-making processes, and university-level consultations.

Beyond the Collective Agreement, CUT promotes structured social dialogue through regular consultation meetings between union representatives and the University’s leadership. Trade union representatives also participate formally in Part A of the Personnel, Recruitment and Promotions & Regulations Committee (EΠΠΠΚΚ), contributing to discussions on human resources policies, employment regulations, and staff-related matters.

Employees further benefit from an internal appeal process to address employment-related concerns, ensuring transparent, fair, and respectful handling of workplace issues (Evidence: Appeal Submission Form).

CUT’s recognition of union and collective bargaining rights aligns fully with national and international labour standards, including the Industrial Relations Code, the Trade Unions Law (Cap. 333), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions No. 87 and 98, all of which safeguard the freedom of association and the right to organise and negotiate collectively.

Further evidence:

• Industrial Relations Code-  Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance
• ILO Convention No. 87- Freedom of Association
• ILO Convention No. 98 – Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining

Through its collective agreements, inclusive union structures, active participation of employee representatives in governance committees, and full compliance with national and international labour standards, CUT ensures the protection and active exercise of labour rights for all employees- regardless of gender, nationality, or employment status- promoting fair, transparent, and participatory employment relations across the University.