Cyprus’s main Public Service union has called for Government teleworking to be regulated.
The Pasydy union said negotiations had begun on a legal framework for teleworking in the private sector and the same ought to be done for the public sector.
The union submitted its suggestions to the Ministers of Labour and Finance, arguing that the introduction of teleworking in the Public Service in the midst of the pandemic, and especially during lockdown periods, had proved to be “not only achievable but also effective, without affecting the quality of the work produced”.
A Pasydy spokesperson said the union considered the benefits from the implementation of teleworking were many and important, not only in emergency conditions but also under normal circumstances.
“As such there is a need for permanent regulations to be in place,” the spokesperson said.
“During the lockdowns it turned out that Civil Servants have the ability to work via teleworking. Any difficulties that were initially identified have now been addressed and resolved,” they said.
The union also argued that the adoption of teleworking would contribute to the broader goal set by the Government for the modernisation of the Public Service using technology.
“At the same time, the implementation of such flexible forms of employment has a positive impact on society at large, as they contribute to the balance of family and professional life,” the spokesperson said.
“It reduces the need for travel to and from the workplace; reduces the environmental impact of the use of public transport and vehicles in general, and could be the solution to the intense and intractable traffic problems in Cyprus,” they said.
Nicosia, 22 September 2021
