Cyprus ports operating normally

The business activities of the two ports were also affected by a decision by the port employees unions to abstain from overtime during the weekend. A decision that is still in place and might cause some problems in the evening hours.

The decision to abstain from any overtime work reflects protests for not consulting with the trade unions in approving the Ports Authority budget, in which reductions in overtime and shift allowances were included.

The employees are protesting against a government bill which provides for the privatization of the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) as well as the other two large semi-government organizations, namely the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CyTA), the Electricity Authority of Cyprus(EAC).

The bill is discussed on Monday at the meeting of the parliamentary Committee on Finance Affairs amid protests of the employees of all affected organizations.

Limassol port manager Giorgos Ppouros told CNA today that since morning two container ships and a ship carrying cars are being served, while cruise ships and foreign naval vessels are also being served.

During the weekend, at Limasol port, seven merchant ships were affected which were forced to change their destination with serious financial consequences for the companies and traders, who will have to wait at least a week to receive their cargoes.