Hourly government staff in Cyprus hold 24-hour nationwide strike

On June 24, 2026, approximately 9,000 hourly-paid government employees in Cyprus launched a 24-hour nationwide strike to demand the renewal of their collective agreement for 2025-2027. The unions, SEK, PEO, and DEOK, organized the action to protest prolonged delays by the Ministry of Finance in negotiating wage increases and improved working conditions. Representatives state that workers have not received a pay raise in 17 years and face financial hardships exacerbated by austerity measures. The strike has led to the closure of museums, archaeological sites, and monuments managed by the Department of Antiquities, and disrupted lifeguard services at beaches. Employees planned a demonstration outside the Ministry of Finance in Nicosia, followed by a march to the Presidential Palace. Unions warned that industrial action may escalate if the government fails to address their demands for a dignified standard of living. The Ministry of Interior cautioned the public to exercise extra care while swimming due to the lack of lifeguard coverage.