President Nikos Christodoulides has praised the SEK trade union’s "independent, responsible, and constructive role" as the country moves toward significant reforms and labor policy updates outlined in his administration’s agenda. The President underscored the union’s longstanding commitment to wage adequacy, fair labor practices, full employment opportunities, and enhanced pension systems, expressing confidence in SEK’s continued positive impact on these initiatives.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou during SEK’s 80th-anniversary celebration, President Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus’s status as a stable force in the southeastern Mediterranean and a trusted partner within the EU, the Eurozone, and the United States. He emphasized the strengthened strategic outlook following the recent U.S.-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue, noting the nation's essential role as a core member of Europe.

Reflecting on Cyprus and SEK’s collaborative history, the President reiterated the importance of their partnership, pointing to tripartite social cooperation as a vital driver for Cyprus's economic resilience and growth. SEK’s dedication to European values of freedom, equality, and justice, he noted, remains fundamental to the state, economy, and broader society.

President Christodoulides underscored his commitment to a human-centered approach in government policy, emphasizing that his administration considers both societal needs and economic capacity in implementing reforms.

The President also reviewed key achievements, including the renewal of the COLA agreement, the passing of remote work legislation, wage increases in the hotel sector, a raise in the national minimum wage, stricter penalties for unregistered work, timely Social Insurance Fund disbursements, and an additional month of maternity leave.

Further, he announced ongoing mediation efforts to renew and establish new collective agreements in the construction and hotel industries. The proposals include long-term contracts through 2027, restoration of previous cuts, cumulative increases exceeding 7%, and additional employment benefits.