In Cyprus, due to extreme heat during the summer months, a ban has been imposed on outdoor work during lunch hours (12:00-16:00). This decision aims to reduce the risk of heat exposure, but it has also reignited discussions regarding public employees taking second jobs.
Details and Reasons for the Ban
The rationale behind the ban is to protect the health of workers and reduce the risk of exposure to extreme heat. However, this situation also limits the right of public employees to work in the private sector or freelance.
The core of this ban revolves around public ethics principles and the prevention of conflicts of interest. It is believed that individuals representing public resources engaging in commercial activities can promote unfair competition and weaken their commitment to public duties.
Specifically, individuals working under guarantees funded by public resources using their earnings from the private sector can create inequalities and injustices. This situation may adversely affect the chance of unemployed youth finding work in the public sector.
Debate on Second Jobs and the Status of Public Employees
In addition to the prohibition of outdoor work, discussions regarding the second job status of public employees continue. Ethical issues that arise when public workers, especially officials like village heads and municipal employees, establish commercial relationships with citizens are being addressed.
Emine Dizdarlı’s remarks in the Ombudsman report highlight this issue: “If there’s a commercial relationship between you and a citizen, you can’t be impartial. If you take a second job, you cannot show the necessary diligence to your public duty.”
This situation, as emphasized by retired judge Emine Dizdarlı, can undermine the impartiality and commitment of public employees to their duties.
On the other hand, discussions are ongoing regarding restrictions on second jobs for employees in specific institutions, such as those working for the Turkish Cypriot Electricity Authority (KETE). This aims to prevent double salaries from public resources.
From the Past to Present: The “Siesta” Culture and Current Situation
In the past, the closure of shops during lunch hours and the application of the “siesta” culture in Cyprus were important practices to allow workers to rest in hot weather. However, due to changing work conditions and economic challenges today, this situation is being reevaluated.
The current ban can be interpreted as an effort to protect the health of workers and implement public ethics principles, distinct from the stereotype of “lazy shopkeepers” prevalent in the past.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
