Cyprus MPs are seeking answers from the authorities over allegations that workers are being illegally leased to businesses, with trade unions telling Parliament that some cases may be connected to human trafficking.
The issue was discussed on Tuesday by the House Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance Committee following an initiative by AKEL. Committee chair George Koukoumas said trade unions had reported extensive use of temporary employment arrangements in sectors where such practices are prohibited by law, including construction and tourism.
According to the complaints presented to MPs, some workers are transported to workplaces and construction sites by individuals operating as employers or intermediaries, then employed under what unions described as degrading conditions and very low pay.
Koukoumas said the committee had also been told that worker leasing can, in some cases, be linked to trafficking and the exploitation of people.
The Labour Ministry has acknowledged that cases involving the leasing of workers have been identified in Cyprus, Koukoumas said. MPs are now waiting for details on the cases detected by authorities, including whether sanctions were imposed, fines issued or criminal investigations launched.
The committee is also seeking an explanation for the delay of legislation concerning the construction sector and the legal responsibilities of main contractors. Koukoumas said the bill could help close legal gaps that may allow unlawful practices to...
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