The strike announced by quarry workers on Monday was called off following the intervention of agriculture minister Kostas Kadis.

According to the Paphos Concrete Production and Quarry Companies spokesperson, Olga Athinodorou, the two-hour work stoppage was cancelled following a meeting planned for Wednesday morning with the minister.

The industry, which has threatened strike action since last September, following ruling out of expansion rights in the Akamas local plan, is demanding the immediate issuance of new quarrying permits in the Androlykou area since the existing permitted areas have been exhausted.

“We want a new quarry zone […] something that has been promised to us for two years and about which, despite assurances, nothing has been done,” Athiodorou said.

The problem is becoming increasingly acute, the company spokesperson added, saying Paphos faces unique problems which other provinces don’t face as they are permitted ongoing expansion of their quarry zones.