Cyprus teachers unions reject government reform proposals

The dispute between the Cyprus government and teacher unions POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK intensified following a Cabinet decision on July 4 regarding education reforms. On August 23, the government proposed a compromise involving a reduction of extracurricular hours from two to one and adjustments to the seniority-based workload reduction system, which previously allowed elementary teachers to reduce their 29-hour weekly load to 27 hours after 15 years of service. The new proposal suggested reducing the load to 28 hours instead of 27, while offering salary increases and voluntary early retirement schemes. Unions rejected these terms on August 31, labeling them unworthy of discussion, and organized protest marches in Nicosia on August 28. President Nicos Anastasiades warned of potential disciplinary actions, including salary deductions, for teachers who refuse to perform their duties. Education Minister Costas Hambiaouris and government spokesperson Prodromos Prodromou maintain that reforms are based on European Commission recommendations. Schools are scheduled to open on September 3, with unions planning further actions on September 5.