The years between 1930 and 1940 were instrumental in organising the working class of Cyprus. This period saw a number of hard struggles being waged, resulting in the working class winning the fundamental and basic right to organise and present its demands. In 1931, the first Trade Union was formed – the Nicosia Shoemakers’ Union – which was officially recognized in 1932 after the adoption of the new ‘Trade Union Law’.
Following the initial example of the Nicosia Shoemakers, numerous new Unions were registered. By August 1939, 46 Trade Unions were registered with 2,544 members. By 1941, this had increased to 61 Trade Unions, with 3,679 members.