School bus strikes trigger government intervention in Cyprus

School bus drivers in Paphos and Larnaca have staged strikes due to unpaid wages for November and December 2018, as well as withheld 13th-month bonuses. In Paphos, the strike affected approximately 5,000 students, causing protests at schools like Agios Charalambos in Emba. The Ministry of Transport announced an agreement with two private transport companies from Limassol and Paphos to lease 10 buses to ensure student transportation. While the Ministry claims it has already transferred funds to the transport company OSYPA, the drivers demand payment regardless of state-company disputes. In Larnaca, the operator Zinon faced similar labor disruptions, though students were eventually transported home by bus after school hours. Parent associations have criticized both the Ministry and transport companies for failing to communicate strike plans, forcing students to miss classes. Drivers have threatened further strike action on the first of every month if their salary arrears are not settled.