SEK warns of labor market deregulation due to foreign worker policy

Andreas Matsas, General Secretary of the SEK trade union, has issued a formal warning regarding the ongoing deregulation of the labor market in Cyprus. According to statements published on November 4 and 5, 2026, the current labor environment is suffering from significant upheavals, with the union pointing to the unilateral implementation of the revised Strategy for the Employment of Workers from Third Countries as the primary driver of these problems.

Matsas claims that the union's previous warnings have been validated, noting that the policy has caused severe distortions in key economic sectors. He described the situation in the construction industry as tragic, while characterizing labor conditions within the hotel and tourism sector as equivalent to a modern-day slave market. The official asserts that these practices foster unfair competition among businesses and result in the widespread exploitation of employees.

The union argues that this approach directly contradicts European policy objectives aimed at strengthening job quality and dignity. In addition to construction and hotels, the union reports increasing tension and potential labor unrest in the education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. As of early November 2026, the SEK continues to pressure authorities to address these structural labor issues to mitigate further market degradation.