The Ministry of Labor is taking action to address the labor shortage in the tourism industry. Ministry officials will meet with hoteliers and the unemployed to find out for themselves the problem that was observed this year.
Although the summer season has already begun, no solution has been found to the issue of labor shortages in the tourism industry. The tourism sector employs over 70 thousand people, while our island hosts over 3,6 million tourists. The search for staff starts during the winter, while for the last two years it has been observed that one hotel steals staff from the other. During the winter, entrepreneurs "fish" employees from other competing companies, providing them with more money and benefits. The problem is real as new hotels are operating this year, while many of the existing ones have expanded their activities.
The problem of lack of human resources was brought before the Ministry of Labor. The trade unions and employers had a series of meetings and consultations with the Minister of Labor Zeta Aimilianidou. The unions are seeking the employment of unemployed people through the implementation of collective agreements to fill these positions, while the Pancyprian Hoteliers Association (PASYXE) and the Cyprus Tourism Association (STEK) respond that they are unable to find staff among the unemployed, although they offer benefits. salaries and pose as a solution to the problem to allow the recruitment of students from third countries in auxiliary professions (eg washers, waiters, etc.).
Actions
The Ministry of Labor took on a mediating role in the effort of both sides. The primary goal is to absorb all the unemployed in the hotel industry and then to make any decisions about hiring students from third countries. In each province where shortages are recorded, the ministry will invite the unemployed in the tourism industry to a meeting. Employers (hoteliers) and the unemployed will be brought before the Department officials to find out what salaries are declared by the employers for the job to which each unemployed person is intended. Thus, there will be an on-site control by the ministry on the salaries given by the hoteliers and whether it is the choice of the unemployed not to work.
Lack of potential
Mathematical calculations prove that the locally trained staff is not enough to work in the hotel industry. The Ministry of Labor previously reported - in March before all the hotels opened - before the parliamentary trade committee that 7500 people are registered in the labor department with the last declared job being the hotel and food professions. However, according to a ministry spokesman, 70% (ie about 5.250) return to the same employer at the beginning of the summer tourist season. Therefore, if the needs of the hotel industry exceed 2.500 people, it is obvious that the unemployed do not meet the needs of staff and that the problem faced by hotels will increase with the operation of new hotels in the near future.
Source: Liberal