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ALL CYPRUS TRADE UNION FORUM
“Study Conference”
(Nicosia, 17 - 19 March, 1997)
____________________________
DECLARATION
The Trade Unions of Cyprus, SEK, PEO, PASYDY, ETYK, POED, OELMEK,
DEOK, POAS, OLTEK, TURK-SEN, DEV-IS, KTAMS, KTOS, COOP-SEN,
BES, KTOEOS, representing the whole spectrum of the working class of
Cyprus, on the conclusion of the ALL CYPRUS TRADE UNION FORUM -
“Study Conference”, on “The effects on the workers as a result of the future
accession of Cyprus to the European Union”, held in Nicosia during the
period 17 - 19 March, 1997, unanimously declare:
1. They reiterate the previous unanimous declaration of 18 January, 1995,
of the “ALL CYPRUS TRADE UNION FORUM” in its full context, which
included demands for a speedy and just solution of the Cyprus problem,
based on a Federal, Democratic system, the high level agreements and
the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Organisation to be realised
with full respect of the human rights of all the citizens, and the
establishment of a unitary economy without any form of discrimination.
2. In view of the information made available by the various speakers and
the deliberations of the participants, and having in mind the growing
globalisation of the world economy, and the increasing inter-dependence
of national economies, the Trade Unions believe that the accession of
Cyprus to the European Union will benefit both the economy, the
workers and the people of Cyprus as a whole.
3. The Trade Unions repeat their previous demands and stress the
necessity for safeguarding in the future Federal State, the following:
a. One type system of employment and labour relations
b. A unitary system of Social Insurance
c. Unified standards of wages and salaries
d. Complete safeguarding of the right of freedom of movement,
freedom of association and choice of employer in any part of
Cyprus
e. No discrimination whatsoever in employment or emoluments,
arising in connection with ethnic origin, religion, colour or sex.
4. The Trade Unions underline that the above objectives assume a new
importance in view of the accession process, and they consider them as
a necessary prerequisite in order to be in line with the basic principles
and practice in the E.U.
5. The Trade Unions decide to broaden the content of their future contacts
and enlarge their cooperation to include the exchange of information on
social and labour matters in Europe and to consider ways and means to
enter joint activities with the aim of preparing to meet the challenges of
being part of the European Union.
6. In order to achieve this the Trade Unions decide to organise working
groups on
a. Social Security
b. Salaries and wages
c. Industrial relations systems
d. Educational matters
as well as joint seminars with European Union content as a means of
preparation of the trade union movement for the eventual accession to
the European Union.
7. The Trade Unions reaffirm their authorisation to the Working Group,
comprising representatives of SEK, PEO, PASYDY, Turk-Sen, Dev-Is,
KTAMS, to continue its work as outlined in the joint declaration.
8. In the spirit of the above, the Trade Unions call on the political leaders of
Cyprus, on international and regional Trade Unions, the United Nations,
the European Union and other International Organisations, as well as on
all parties involved in the effort to facilitate a peaceful solution of the
Cyprus problem, to work for the attainment of the above objectives.
Signed on 19 March, 1997, by all participating Trade Unions.
Address: 3, Demosthenis Severis Avenue, 1066 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel + 357 2 844445 - Fax + 357 2 665199