A meeting is expected to take place this week between unions and employers over renewing collective agreements in the hotel industry, it emerged on Saturday.

The labour ministry is undertaking the role of mediator as both parties have been unable to meet each other halfway amid demands for salary increases, holiday pay and increased provident fund.

The Cyprus News Agency (CNA) cited sources saying Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou held separate meetings with unions and hoteliers last week as part of an effort to find the ‘golden thread’ that can lead to a deal.

Although meetings have been taking place throughout the week, no precise date has been announced for the start of a new intensive round of talks, CNA reported.

The moratorium on public statements, which has since been applied to both sides to facilitate the process, is still in force.

Trade unions earlier this month dismissed an intermediary proposal put forward by the labour ministry for the renewal of the industry’s collective agreement.

Panayiotou has said he is optimistic a solution will be found.