Cyprus-Bulgarian trade unions sign agreement to promote employee rights

SEK Secretary-General Nikos Moiseos said that that the agreement comes at a time of economic development in Europe, owing to the coexistence and labor of millions of immigrants of various ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Moiseos noted the dangers of racist and xenophobic manifestations, targeting immigrants and workers of ethnic minorities and called on a common struggle against all discriminations that undermine the swift integration of immigrants in local societies.

The agreement between SEK and its Bulgarian counterparts aims at preventing such undesirable behavior from the part of the employers and strengthen employee rights, he said.

In particular, the two sides agreed to support Bulgarian workers in Cyprus and Cypriot workers in Bulgaria, by informing them on their rights and their options concerning trade union membership.

The agreement is valid for four years and foresees the organization of common cultural events and meetings, as well as the implementation of common policies to the benefit of union members.

Moiseos also said that SEK currently has in its ranks 1.400 Bulgarian members, while he noted that no ceiling can be set for the employment of EU workers, due to the EU acquis.

PODKERA representative Konstantin Trenchev said from his part that Bulgarians should be well informed about their rights while working in Cyprus or any other country, or receive information before they decide to work abroad. They must understand, he said, that by accepting to work in the black market, it is Bulgaria, Cyprus and they themselves who are on the losing side.