Why the unions were absent from the President's business plan

Leaders of the three major trade unions, PEO, SEK, and DEOK, deliberately boycotted President Christodoulides' presentation of the government's 2026 business plan. Their absence serves as a protest against the government's refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding labor relations and social policies. The unions have been requesting a joint meeting with the President since mid-December to discuss pressing issues affecting the working class. Tensions escalated following the recent revision of the National Minimum Wage, which the unions found unsatisfactory. Other critical topics awaiting discussion include pension reform, the employment strategy for workers from third countries, and the expansion of collective agreements. This coordinated absence was intended to send a clear message of dissatisfaction directly to the Presidential Palace.