In Cyprus stores introduced new working hours.

Ministry of Labour, transferred at April 7, to the House of Representatives, the draft law establishing the working hours. Allowable working hours for shops in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos are set from 5 am to 10 pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 7.30 am to 11 pm on Sunday.

Famagusta was afforded a slightly expanded schedule – shops may remain open from 5am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and 7:30am to 11pm on Sunday.

The government’s view, recorded in the report accompanying the proposal, is that the implementation and expansion of the working hours of tourist areas across Cyprus has achieved the goals of stimulating the market and increasing employment. In particular, the paper highlights that the increase in working hours of stores has led to the creation of over 7,000 jobs since July of 2013.

Against the adoption of such measures are traditionally the Union owners of small shops (POVEK) and trade union PEO, believing that such actions constitute a flagrant violation of workers' rights and aimed at the development of large companies at the expense of workers in small businesses. So it was no surprise that PEO issued a statement on Tuesday, urging deputies to vote against the government’s proposal.

Against the adoption of such measures are traditionally the Union owners of small shops (POVEK) and trade union PEO, believing that such actions constitute a flagrant violation of workers' rights and aimed at the development of large companies at the expense of workers in small businesses. So it was no surprise that PEO issued a statement on Tuesday, urging deputies to vote against the government’s proposal.