A PROFILE OF SEK
SEK, known at the time as the "New" or "Free Trade Unions of Cyprus", was founded in 1943 in the seaport town of Limassol. In a very short while, the Free Trade Union Movement, although small in numbers, spread all over the island.
The founding of SEK became necessary when the until 1942 independent unions came under the control of the communist party, AKEL, and took active part in politics as a division of AKEL.
It was therefore natural that the working people of Cyprus, who believed in genuine trade unionism, freedom and democracy, would by no means accept the fact that they were being used to further ideas and political aims, which were contrary to their own. For these reasons, free democratic workers went ahead and founded in 1943, the Free Unions, known at the time as "New Trade Unions".
The "New Trade Unions" were autonomous organisations of workers in each branch of their District. Their co-ordinating body was the District Workers Federation.
On the 29th of October, 1944, 34 representatives of 19 Unions from the Districts of Nicosia, Limassol and Famagusta met and agreed to found the Cyprus Workers' Confederation (SEK).
Those first years were very difficult, as SEK in every step was met with a bitter war the communist controlled unions were waging against the newly founded free trade unions. Additionally, the then colonial Government was setting obstacles in the union's way because of the declared intention of SEK to struggle for the right of self determination for the Cypriot people.
Nevertheless, SEK overcame these problems and. continued to struggle for the improvement of wages and working conditions, as well as for the introduction of social benefits for the working classes.
In 1948, SEK became associated to the General Workers' Confederation of Greece and one year later, in 1949, took part in the conference and was a founder member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU).
The fighting spirit of SEK and the responsible policies adopted, resulted in gaining the love and respect of both the workers and of the other classes in Cyprus.
The year 1960, in which Cyprus was granted her independence after a four-year struggle, marked the beginning of a new era for SEK. In the following two decades, the organisation grew in both numbers and influence. In fact, every single achievement and every social benefit gained by the working class in this period bears the unfading stamp of SEK. The 60's also marked the structural re-organisation of SEK, which made the movement more functional, enabling it to serve the interests of workers more efficiently and effectively.
Just before the re-organisation, there were a total of 232 free general unions in towns and villages, representing workers from all branches. These unions were linked to the Confederation through the Labour Federations in each town.
In 1962, with technical advice from the ICFTU, SEK was re-organised into Pancyprian Federations, each of which organises workers from one or more branches on an island-wide basis. The benefit of this structure is that workers in the same type of industry are organised in strong unions. It also helps in planning the development of pay and other benefits on a nationwide basis.
PRESENT STRUCTURE
SEK - The Confederation
SEK is the guiding body, policy maker and co-ordinator of the Free Trade Unions of Cyprus, in regard to conditions of work, wages and salaries, etc. SEK also makes policies and promotes demands of general interest to the whole of the working force, such as new legislation or amendment of existing laws, prices, cost of living, social benefits (health, housing, education) etc. Other functions of SEK are trade union education of officers and shop stewards, the development of organising and financial programmes, international relations and enlightenment of members through the union newspaper and other publications. Members of SEK are the seven Trade Federations. The highest Officer of SEK is the Secretary-General.
District Labour Centres
SEK is represented in the districts by the District Labour Centres, whose function is the same as that of the Confederation at district level. Head of the Centre is the District Secretary. Its members are the local unions of each Federation in the district.
Federations
The Federations organise workers on an island-wide basis, in their separate branches through the local unions in every district. The Federation's main function is to look after and promote the interests of workers (general claims, collective bargaining, enforcement of collective agreements, technical and other kinds of assistance to unions etc.). Head of the Federation is the Federation Secretary-General. All Federations are affiliated to the ITS's of the trade or trades each one represents.
Administration
The highest decision and policy making body in SEK is the Pancyprian Congress, held once every four years. The Pancyprian Congress elects the Secretary-General of SEK. Delegates to the Congress are elected by the members at the conferences of local unions.
Second in line is the General Council, which currently comprises 51 members as follows: The Secretary-General of SEK, the Deputy Secretary-General, the General Organiser, the General Treasurer, the Secretary-Generals of the seven Federations, the District Secretaries, the District Organisers and the District Treasurers of the five Labour Centres, the assistant Secretary-Generals of the Federations and one representative for every 3.000 members, elected by the District Congress of each Labour Centre.
The Executive Committee comprises the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General, the General Organiser, the General Treasurer, the Federation Secretary-Generals and the District Secretaries of the Labour Centres.
Lastly, the Secretariat comprises the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General, the General Organiser, the General Treasurer and a fifth member, elected by the Congress.
The Federation Secretary-Generals are elected by the Pancyprian Congress of each Federation (every four years) and the District Secretaries by the Congress of each Labour Centre (every four years).
The same democratic procedure is followed for the election of the Secretaries and the Committees of Local Unions.
Labour Centres
There are District Labour Centres in Nicosia-Kyrenia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos. The Famagusta Labour Centre is temporarily accommodated in the premises of the Larnaca Labour Centre, due to the continued occupation of the town of Famagusta.
Federations
Affiliated to SEK are the following seven Federations:
International Relations
As a founder member, SEK has very close relations with the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and takes active part in the International Free Union Movement's campaigns against totalitarian and dictatorial regimes in many parts of the world and against violations of human and trade union rights by such or other regimes. SEK is always giving full support and solidarity to workers and people who struggle for their fundamental rights against oppressive regimes.
At the same time, SEK participates in all efforts for the well-being and progress of workers.
The ICFTU has always supported our struggles for freedom and independence and gave SEK technical and financial assistance, whenever it was needed, for organisational matters or to overcome temporary problems.
In October 1981, SEK became a member of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). On several occasions, the Secretary-General visited Cyprus and had talks with SEK on matters of mutual interest. Also, a meeting of the leaderships of SEK and TURK-SEN with the Secretary-General Hinderscheid, took place at the SEK offices. During the twelve years of membership, SEK officers participated in many seminars, colloquiums and meetings and other programmes organised by the ETUC.
SEK also participates in the activities of the Commonwealth Trade Union Congress (CTUC).
Parallel to the close relations and cooperation with the above mentioned international organisations, SEK has friendly relations and good cooperation with many national organisations.
As already mentioned, SEK has a long-standing association with the trade unions in Greece.
In the past few years, fraternal relations and close cooperation with the American trade unions, the AFL-CIO, have developed greatly, especially in the labour education field and other relative programmes. Thanks to the technical and financial assistance of the American trade union movement through AAFLI, SEK organises education programmes for officials and shop-stewards. The AAFLI has helped to set up and equip a permanent Labour Study Centre, apart from the help given to construct SEK community centres in many refugee settlements and to start a printing unit at SEK.
Friendly relations also exist between SEK and the UAW, the Canadian TUC and the trade union of Mexico.
In Europe, SEK has traditional relations with the TUC of Britain, which cover al long period of time and are extended to educational and other practical matters.
Amongst other European countries, we mention the friendly relations with the trade unions of the Federal Republic of Germany, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries and all members of the ETUC.
In the Middle East, the relations between SEK and Histadrut of Israel are more than just friendly and they are extended to educational and medical matters. Also, in the same area, very friendly relations exist with the Egyptian trade unions and the unions of Lebanon.
The political problems between Cyprus and Turkey did not prevent the establishment of good relations between the trade unions of the two countries:
SEK and TURK-IS. We hope that these relations will soon be extended to cover all fields of trade union activity.
In addition to the relations of SEK with fraternal organisations abroad, the member Federations, besides their membership to the ITS's, have good relations and cooperation with their opposite numbers in other countries.
SEK Organisation and Finance
The main bulk of SEK finances come from members' dues, which are collected mostly with the check-off system at the rate of 1% on total earnings. At very few places of work, dues are still collected directly from members. Income from dues covers almost the whole of the budget. Full coverage of the budget is effected with income from other sources. These include social functions, dances, raffles, bingo games etc. The membership and dues movement during the period covered by the congress was as follows:
Special Funds
Under the supervision of SEK, several funds are in operation, i.e. the Medical Treatment and Medicine Fund for members and their families and the Funds for Holidays, Vacations and Gratuities for workers who are not permanently employed by the same employer, for example construction workers, agricultural workers etc.
Also, under the supervision of SEK, the Federations keep Strike Funds, to which members contribute regularly.
Due to efforts over many years, SEK now owns the buildings in which the main offices and the Labour Centres are housed. Also, SEK now owns buildings in many villages and refugee settlements. Currently, new main offices are being erected in Nicosia.
Newspaper
SEK publishes a weekly trade union newspaper, "Ergatiki Phoni", which is sold to members. The newspaper also carries a small number of advertisements. "Ergatiki Phoni" is financially self-supporting.
Positive results are brought about through the newspaper, so SEK continually tries to circulate it among more and more members. The Labour Centres organise meetings of the salespersons of the newspaper and together with the Local Committees and other officers they discuss ways to improve the newspaper and its circulation.
These concerted efforts brought about positive results. Today, "Ergatiki Phoni" circulates about 6.000 copies.
Education and the SEK Trade Union School
For SEK, trade union education was always a priority, since the Confederation was established. In cooperation with fraternal unions, SEK organised a number of seminars over several periods. Many officers had the opportunity to participate in programmes in the United States of America, Israel, Great Britain, Germany and elsewhere.
The decision to establish a permanent education institution at SEK was taken in 1978 and the union seeked the advice and assistance of fraternal organisations, which already had similar institutions.
In cooperation with the Asian-American Free Labour Institute (AAFLI), a seminar was held in Cyprus in October 1978, aimed at educators who would afterwards use the material for shop steward seminars.
The SEK Trade Union School came into operation in 1979, with its first programme under the title "Cycle A", which offered basic training to shop stewards. The year after, a new programme was introduced, "Cycle B", aimed again mainly at shop stewards and other officers.
From then on, new programmes were developed continuously. During the first ten years, the School offered education and training to an average of 177 shop stewards and full-time officers per year.
Evaluating the work of the School and the beneficial effect of its work, SEK decided and gave directions to the Education Director to up-grade the thematology and the frequency of seminars, in order to make trade union education available to more shop stewards, activists and full-time officials.
During the period under review, the annual participation to the School's programmes rose to over 600 per year. During the four-year period between 1993-1996, the School organised 25 seminars per year, with 25 participants in each.
The School maintains close contacts and cooperation with education institutions of fraternal organisations from other countries, with which it exchanges views and experience. These contacts help to enrich existing programmes and develop new ones.
When the ETUC called a meeting of affiliated organisations in 1989 in Vienna, to explore the possibility of a European Trade Union Education Institution, the Trade Union School of SEK participated with its Director. The result of that meeting was the creation of the European Trade Union College (ETUCO) and the Director of the SEK School is a member of its Education Council and Materials Committee.
Since it was founded in 1979, the School has developed programmes and runs seminars of the following subjects and topics:
Legal Department
In its efforts to assist the Industrial Dispute Court, but also to make it easier for its members in a variety of legal matters, they face from time to time, SEK set up the Legal Department and staffed it with qualified professionals.
The Legal Department of SEK operates in the movement for over fifteen years and today covers all the needs of the Movement and its members in the field of Labour and Social Legislation.
The Department's services are:
The complexity that characterises labour relations today make the operation of the movement even more important and necessary. It would not be an exaggeration to say that every move needs legal advice in order to avoid effects that may harm or jeopardise the interests of the workers. The workers themselves have now understood the necessity for legal advice in cases where they face problems at work.
The Legal Department is staffed today with two professionals in the field of law. With their everyday friction for many years now with Legal Legislation, the two colleagues have obtained a speciality and vast experience in Labour Law and the procedures implied, so they can now effectively and soundly respond to the operations of the Department.
SEK is the sole trade union organisation in Cyprus that has a Legal Department, with its own lawyers, which allows the movement to offer legal services to its members, without any substantial financial burden.
It is very important that the members of SEK can be represented before the Industrial Disputes Court by the Legal Department. Apart from the financial side, which is beneficial to the members, it is very important that they are convinced and feel that their cases are in good hands.
A token of the great appreciation the members have for the Legal Department of SEK, is the vertical increase of the work-load of the Department. Dozens of workers, from all sectors of the economy, visit or communicate by telephone with the Legal Department on a daily basis, asking for legal advice and views or solutions to the problems they are facing.
It is impossible to describe the operation of the Legal Department over the past four years in detail. The number of cases that the Department has completed in Court during the period since the last Pancyprian Congress, shown in the table that follows, is just a part of the work the Department has undertaken and shows its continuous and increasing activity. We mention here that of all the cases submitted to the Industrial Dispute Court, over 30% are submitted by the Legal Department of SEK.
The operation and development of the Legal Department of SEK in the period under consideration was very satisfactory. There is always room for further improvement in everything, especially now that we are about to witness dramatic changes in all the sectors of the economic activity with the accession of Cyprus to the European Union and our step into the 21st century.
In order for our movement to be able to respond to the increased needs of the future, it must broaden and improve all its services. The providing of legal services is one of these necessities that improve the services SEK provides to its members.
Lately, specifically in June 1996, the lawyers of the Legal Department of SEK were elected members of the Legal Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation - NETLEX. This is an honour for the Legal Department and SEK in general, but also attributes greater importance to the sense of responsibility and the role it plays in Cyprus and abroad. It also signifies the acceptance SEK enjoys in Europe and internationally.
Youth, Women's and Pensioners' Departments
Young workers and women face some special problems in their employment, in addition to the general problems of the working force as a whole. In order to study and promote solutions of those problems, SEK founded the Youth Department, the Women's Department and the Pensioners' Department.
All these departments are headed with full-time officers. The departments have their own elected national committees, as well as district committees.
The work of the departments in their respective fields has been satisfactory and they managed to promote to a great extent the problems of young workers, women and pensioners.
The Youth and Women's Departments also indulge in a variety of other activities. In cooperation, they have started workers' blood banks in all towns. Members donate blood to these banks voluntarily at regular intervals, to be used in time of need by themselves, their families or other members. So far, many people were able to benefit from these banks, quickly and effectively, when they needed blood. SEK was the first organisation of its kind to create a blood bank.
Again, in cooperation, the two departments organise the Cyprus Workers' Fair in the Summer, which has proved a great success and is visited by many thousands of people.
Besides the above mentioned activities, the two Departments organise separate activities in their own fields.
The Youth Department organises a variety of social, cultural, athletic, entertainment and other activities, as well as excursions and camping holidays.
The Women's Department organises social, cultural and charity events, as well as special functions on Mother's Day, children's carnival dances etc.
The Pensioners' Department has organised a number of trips, e.g. to the Holy Land, and has been able to be of assistance to many refugees and other pensioners, to solve several problems they faced. In close cooperation with SEK, the Department seeks improvements in pensions and other benefits for retired people.
Cyprus Cooperative Bank of Private Sector Employees (SYTIEK)
The solidarity between the workers' and cooperative movement is an obvious fact. In the common struggle to improve the living standards of the people and to protect the people from exploitation, the activities of one movement complement the other. We especially stress the service that they offer in the sector of savings and retail trade. The cooperative banks help workers and the cooperative stores contribute to the control of prices and protect the citizens as consumers.
SEK is very active in the savings sector and has established cooperative banks. It encouraged the workers to establish such banks and today they cover thousands of workers.
SEK saw the need to establish cooperative banks in the private sector too and in 1982 it established the Cyprus Cooperative Bank of Private Sector Employees (SYTIEK). Any employee in the private sector from all over the country can be a member of SYTIEK Ltd., which began operating with 166 members and today has 6943 members with £7.476.000 deposits.
The SEK health plan
SEK established a policy on workers' heath many years ago. The aim, of course, is for a General Health Plan. Knowing that such a plan is not applicable overnight and that there are many obstacles that must be overcome, SEK created its own internal fund that finances members for medical and pharmaceautical treatment. This fund is financed by the contributions of the members and equal contributions by their employers.
Today, these contributions are 70 cents per week. There are some cases, though, where the contributions are slightly higher. We also contributed to the establishment of some funds that operate on a unit (workplace) basis.
These funds operate on a district basis. In every district there are Councils and all the funds have regulations. We should stress at this point that these funds do not cover all expenses fully. The benefits of the members are determined by regulations, but still remain very useful for the employees. The funds operate on a social solidarity basis and their only input are the contributions of the members.
The funds have been operating for forty years now and experience has proved that they are extremely useful for the members.
Industrial Relations Code
The Industrial Relations Code (ANNEX) is 19 years old this year. It determines the procedures according to which free collective bargaining is carried out. Despite the fact that the Code is not legally but morally binding, the trade unions conform to it and apply it strictly. Nineteen years after it was signed, we can undoubtedly say that it has contributed greatly to the institution of free bargaining.
During this period, and especially the past few years, there have been persons that claimed that the Code needs to be amended and modernised. We do not share this position fully. We do not claim the Code is perfect. There is room for improvement. However, the changes suggested by the employers from time to time concern matters of substance. SEK believes that the Code is useful and helpful even as it stands today.
Additions can be made and we are prepared to discuss the matter, especially the regulation of strikes in essential services.
The Mediating Service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance
The Mediating Service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, which is a stage provided for in the Industrial Relations Code, has played a constructive and useful role in the efforts to bridge differences which were submitted to it.
SEK wishes to express its satisfaction for the work of the Mediating Service. All officials of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, as well as the Minister himself, worked hard and offered effective services.
The Industrial Committee of SEK
The main factor in forming the positions and decisions of SEK on industrial subjects is the Industrial Committee. Naturally, under normal conditions, the work of the Industrial Committee is simple and easy. However, it becomes complex and difficult when we have to face cases such as those over the past few years.
Studying the development rates of the economy, in order to determine the claims of the workers, has always been a serious responsibility. But during this period, a lot more had to be done. The Industrial Committee should monitor the developments and give its opinion and guidance, so as to contribute and assist the officers of the base.
The margins in which the negotiations had to move was very limited and thus imposed an extra duty, i.e. detailed studies, comparison with other situations and well-contemplated arguments. It also imposed the monitoring of the framework of various proposals and anti-proposals and coordination of everything, so as not to create an undesirable precedent.
We feel very satisfied that we have been able to bring about this difficult task. We should also add another serious job the Industrial Committee carried out. We believe that labour relations in our country are at an historical turn. The development of the economy and the preparatory work for our accession to the European Union obliges us to study new data and new ideas, so that we can have continuous progress and development.
The Social Dialogue, which for the first time brought the social partners together to discuss the issue of productivity in depth, turned the attention to the need to change traditional systems.
Realising these necessities, the Industrial Committee felt it was its duty to prepare the movement. After diagnosing the possible changes we would face, it carried out a study and came to a series of conclusions and decisions.
It also submitted the issues to the officers through the Trade Union School. Useful and helpful positions and views were expressed freely at the seminars of the Trade Union School.
Department of Statistics and Research
The correct and full briefing of all policy-makers is a necessary element if we wish to exist in reality and this action has proved that the programming of our movement has always been realistic and correct.
The Department of Statistics and Research of SEK is the centre that gave the members of the Industrial Committee the information and studies that helped them express their views with confidence.
Over the period in consideration, the Department did not limit its activities to the analysis of various figures of the economy. It carried out a series of other studies and information that have been very useful and helpful.
Our satisfaction today is justified, because the movement has created such mechanisms that help officers in their daily work.
The Department of Information Technology
The computer system SEK applied has proved very useful and helpful. It contributed to the internal improvement of book keeping and the fast updating of member records, as well as a series of other activities, something that was considered impossible in the past. Also, access to information is now direct and simple.
Our link-up with the Internet allows us to access information on an international scale and at the same time enlighten international organisations on the activities of our movement.
Today, thanks to the computer system, we are directly linked to the International Labour Office, the European Trade Union Confederation, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, the data system of the European Union, etc.
Consumer Protection Service of SEK
The Consumer Protection Service has acquired experience and constantly develops its activities in various directions. It broadened its organisational structure, so that members can be helped all over Cyprus.
It took the initiative to coordinate the activity between all the organisations working for consumer protection and organised common activities which give correct information to the interested parties. At the same time, it makes representations to the state for legal protection with up-to-date legislation.
In cooperation with the Trade Union School, the Department arranged for officers to be trained in specialised seminars.
It also has a permanent column in the SEK newspaper called "Health and Consumers", with local and international news that interests consumers and gives the positions and advice of SEK.
The Department is also linked with EURO-C, the respective department of the ETUC and takes part in meetings and seminars, thus monitoring the situation in the European Union.
With its constant efforts to forsee facts and legislation that concerns consumers, it contributed to the establishment and operation of the Consumer Consultative Committee at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
SEK holiday resorts
At our previous Pancyprian Congress, we mentioned that the construction of new SEK holiday resorts in Kato Amiantos had began and was due to finish in 1995. The camp operated properly in 1996 and hosted children and families over the summer period.
SEK also has a holiday resort in Kannavia. Both locations are mountainous.
Excursions abroad
The organisation of excursions abroad for SEK members has proved to be helpful and necessary. For many years, excursions were organised for members of all ages. Over the past few years, the District Centres organise the trips themselves, monitored by SEK.
Trips are also organised by the Youth, Women's and Pensioners' Departments, thus allowing a larger number of members to participate.
The Central Leave Fund
The Central Leave Fund was established based on the Annual Leave with Full Pay Law of 1967. According to the Law, the employers must contribute to the Fund, so as to safeguard the annual leave of their employees.
Also, SEK receives a sum every year, which it uses to improve its holiday resorts in Kato Amiantos and Kannavia.
50 years of SEK
On October 29, 1994, SEK became fifty years old. This fact could not go unnoticed. It was a good opportunity to honour the leaders, to remember the struggles and hardships they endured, to appreciate the work done by the movement in this period and to renew our faith and determination to the basic principles on which SEK was built.
The General Council dedicated the whole of 1994 to events for the fifty years of SEK.
Cyprus Workers' Fair
The Workers' Fair is very successful every year. This institution, which was established in honour of our members, has been warmly embraced and members look forward to it as an opportunity for entertainment and fun.
There is always a variety programme, with popular singers, dances and humorous sketches etc., as well as a wide range of stalls offering traditional food, fast food, drinks, cakes, games, toys, plants and many other bazaar goods.
Blood Bank
The shortage of blood is a serious problem. SEK, in its efforts to assist in this area, established a blood bank over fifteen years ago. Blood donations are organised every year by the Labour Centres of SEK and members voluntarily offer blood to the bank in large numbers.
Also, on many occasions, when the need arose, members responded at once and donated blood.
Because the needs in blood will never cease to exist, our efforts will become even more intense, in order to bring about even better results.
Pancyprian Workers' Athletic Association (PASEK)
The Pancyprian Workers' Athletic Association (PASEK), was established in 1990, in order to coordinate all the athletic activities of SEK all over Cyprus and to promote and cultivate sports and exercise amongst the workers and their families. An additional reason that imposed the establishment of PASEK was the prospect of PASEK becoming a member of CSIT (International Labour Sports Confederation), an aim which became reality in 1990.
During its few years of operation, PASEK has been very active. With its full membership to the CSIT, it acquired an international identity.
PASEK also organised the World Judo Championship of the CSIT in July 1994. This event was so successful and impeccable in every aspect, that it remained historical and a reference for other events.
