Trade union Isotita files complaint against Cyprus at the Council of Europe

On June 11, 2026, the Isotita trade union filed a collective complaint against the Republic of Cyprus with the European Committee of Social Rights of the Council of Europe. The union alleges violations of collective bargaining rights, freedom of organization, and protections for worker representatives. This action follows a previous complaint submitted on June 8, 2026, to the International Labour Organization's Committee on Freedom of Association. The dispute involves allegations that prison guard representative Giorgos Maltezos faced retaliatory measures, including reassignment and loss of union privileges, after raising concerns about prison conditions. The union claims these actions were taken after Maltezos highlighted issues such as overcrowding and drug trafficking in December 2025. The Council of Europe has officially registered the complaint and requested the Cypriot government to submit written observations on the matter by July 30, 2026. This deadline covers both the admissibility of the case and the union's request for immediate protective measures. The case is being evaluated by two major international bodies simultaneously.