Cyprus theater unions respond to Federation’s statement
The announcement of the Federation of Theatre Organizations of Cyprus is seen as a setback against actors and their pursuit of labor rights, according to their unions. The Union of Actors of Cyprus and the Theatre Artists of PEO expressed surprise at the announcement made by the collective body of the five historic theaters of Cyprus. The actors’ unions have consistently faced resistance from the Federation when seeking negotiations for the renewal of the Collective Agreement. The unions state that they do not compromise on issues regarding the minimum wage and the duration of contracts. They accept the Federation’s proposal for a reduction in the amounts of the Welfare Fund and the non-payment of the 13th salary for the first half of 2024. The theater organizations had the opportunity to revise their proposals based on the criteria of the Agreement but did not do so. The actors’ bodies have achieved the reintegration of the Collective Agreement into the Thymeli Plan as a prerequisite for public funding. The renewal of the Collective Agreement of the Free Theatres has been pending since 2012, and the theater organizations have consistently refused to meet with the unions to negotiate. The theater organizations rejected essential articles of the agreement, including the minimum wage, duration of employment, and payment of funds. The unions filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labor in 2022, and the Ministry determined that the Collective Agreement remains in force. The unions have repeatedly invited the theater organizations to meet and discuss, but the organizations have refused. The unions emphasize the need for unity and support to find real solutions and demand better treatment of Culture and its people from the State.
