The Cypriot Parliament has approved two new laws aimed at combating violence and harassment in the workplace, marking a significant step toward aligning national legislation with international labor standards.

The two bills—“Violence and Harassment in the Workplace Law of 2024” and the “Amending Law for the Establishment of the Inspection Service in the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (No. 2) of 2024”—passed with 25 and 26 votes in favor, respectively, and one vote against in both cases, from independent MP Andreas Themistocleous.

The primary goal of the Workplace Violence and Harassment Law is to effectively address such incidents and ensure the practical implementation of key provisions of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 2019 Convention on Violence and Harassment.

Meanwhile, the amendment to the Inspection Service law authorizes labour inspectors to monitor compliance with the newly introduced legal provisions, adding to their existing responsibilities under multiple employment laws.

During the plenary session, AKEL MP and Chair of the Labour Committee, Andreas Kavkalias, said the bills complete the legislative framework initiated by Cyprus’s ratification of the ILO Convention. He noted that the laws fill critical gaps in the country’s protections against workplace violence and harassment.

Kavkalias added that constructive work had been done in the committee, with meaningful improvements made through discussion, resulting in a comprehensive tool for the government to implement. He stressed that the onus now lies with the government to ensure its effective enforcement.

DISY MP Fotini Tsiridou stated that the legislation is aligned with international standards and highlighted that violence and harassment disproportionately affect women and girls.

She noted that, for the first time, the law introduces preventive and non-repetition measures, a code of conduct, mandatory staff training, and the designation of responsible officers to handle complaints. Importantly, the measures also apply to third parties who have contractual, client-based, or visitor relationships with the workplace. Protections will also extend to work-related travel and social activities.

VOLT MP Alexandra Attalides expressed hope that the legislation would strengthen employee confidence and wellbeing. However, she emphasized that worker protection is not only a legal issue, but a social one, involving dignity, mental health, and productivity.

She stressed the need for a cultural shift, pointing to a prevailing “culture of cover-up” and underlining that no legislation can help employees if such a culture persists. She called for robust enforcement and zero tolerance for those who obstruct justice or conceal such incidents.

The legislation includes a series of mandatory employer responsibilities and criminal provisions:

• Employers are required to take measures to prevent violence and harassment, including adopting a code of conduct.

• Employees are protected from retaliation or discrimination for reporting misconduct.

• The law establishes the criminal offence of workplace violence or harassment, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine up to €5,000.

• New offences are also introduced for obstructing the submission of complaints and for interfering with labour inspectors in the performance of their duties.