The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Greek: Ομοσπονδία Εργοδοτών και Βιομηχάνων Κύπρου), commonly known by its abbreviation OEB (ΟΕΒ), is the main employers' organization in Cyprus. Founded in 1960 by 19 entrepreneurs, OEB represents employers and businesses across all sectors of the Cypriot economy. Its members employ approximately 70% of the private sector workforce, one of the highest percentages in Europe.[1] OEB is a member of BusinessEurope and participates in the International Labour Organization.[2]
| Ομοσπονδία Εργοδοτών και Βιομηχάνων Κύπρου | |
| Abbreviation | OEB (ΟΕΒ) |
|---|---|
| Formation | September 26, 1960 |
| Type | Employers' organization |
| Headquarters | Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Members | Over 10,000 enterprises (through ~120 sectoral associations) |
President | Antonis Antoniou (since 2021) |
Director General | Michalis Antoniou (since 2016) |
| Affiliations | BusinessEurope, IOE, ILO |
| Website | oeb |
Formerly called | Cyprus Employers Advisory Association (1960-1970); Cyprus Employers Federation (1970-1981) |
History
editFounding
editThe first steps toward establishing an employers' organisation in Cyprus were taken in 1958, when an 11-member committee was appointed to promote its creation. The founding assembly was held in October 1959, and the organisation was initially registered as the Cyprus Employers Advisory Association.[3] On 26 September 1960, the organisation's charter was officially approved and signed, making it an established entity coinciding with the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.[3]
The first president was Nikos Lanitis, who served from October 1959 to March 1962. The first Director General was Stelios Theocharides, appointed in January 1960.[3]
Name changes and growth
editIn 1970, the organisation was renamed the Cyprus Employers Federation (Ομοσπονδία Εργοδοτών Κύπρου), reflecting its broadened membership. In 1981, it adopted its current name, the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation, to incorporate the growing industrial sector.[3]
Industrial Relations Code
editA major milestone in OEB's history was its role in co-signing the Industrial Relations Code, together with the trade union confederations SEK and PEO and the Ministry of Labour, which established a framework for labour relations in Cyprus.[3]
The 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of over 37% of the island's territory disrupted the economy, but OEB adapted and contributed to the national effort of recovery and reconstruction.[3]
Structure and membership
editOEB is a pancyprian independent organisation comprising approximately 120 professional and sectoral association members, covering all fields of economic activity including industry, services, construction, commerce, environment, energy, tourism, education, health, and agriculture. Total direct and indirect membership exceeds 10,000 enterprises.[1]
Membership is open to individual employers, industrialists, and businesspeople of all nationalities who employ personnel on a regular basis at a permanent place of work in Cyprus.[3]
Since its founding, 19 presidents and 5 directors general have served the federation. The current president is Antonis Antoniou, elected on 1 January 2021, and the director general is Michalis Antoniou, appointed on 1 February 2016.[3]
Mission and activities
editOEB's stated mission is to be the leading representative of employers and businesses, and a catalyst for socio-economic development and prosperity in Cyprus.[1] Its main objectives are:
- Creating and maintaining a favourable business environment for Cypriot enterprises
- Maintaining a balance of forces between the business community, trade unions, and other pressure groups within the Cypriot decision-making system
- Representing Cypriot companies in Cyprus and abroad, particularly in the European Union and the International Labour Organization
- Supporting the harmonisation of the Cypriot economy with the acquis communautaire following Cyprus's accession to the EU in 2004
- Promoting women's entrepreneurship[1]
OEB participates in legislative consultation, organises conferences and seminars on business topics, publishes economic research, and provides advisory services to its members on matters including labour law and business development.[1]
International affiliations
editOEB is a member of BusinessEurope, the European confederation of employers' organisations, and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). It participates in the work of the International Labour Organization as the recognised employers' organisation of Cyprus.[2][1]