Public transport strikes across Cyprus due to payment disputes

Bus drivers in Limassol began a strike on Monday, while services in Paphos have been suspended for several days due to unpaid wages for November. The transport operators EMEL in Limassol and OSYPA in Paphos cite severe liquidity issues caused by the government cutting subsidies by 50%. OSYPA head Yorgos Ioannidis claims the government has failed to meet financial obligations stipulated in their agreement since 2017. While the government argues that past payments to private operators were excessive and now requires reimbursement, the companies insist that the funding calculations are erroneous. The Paphos strike involves 130 drivers and affects approximately 10,000 daily passengers, including students and the elderly. Meanwhile, the Zinon transport company in Larnaca has confirmed it will not participate in the strike and will continue operating. An emergency meeting was held at the Ministry of Transport on Saturday to address the escalating situation.