Hourly-paid government staff in Cyprus plan a 24-hour nationwide strike

Approximately 9,000 hourly-paid government workers in Cyprus, represented by the OEKDY SEK, PASEY PEO, and DEOK unions, are scheduled to hold a 24-hour nationwide strike on Wednesday, June 24. The workers, who staff vital departments such as the Fire Service, Forestry Department, and Water Development Department, are protesting delays in renewing their collective bargaining agreement for 2025–2027. Negotiations have been stalled for over 18 months, with labor leaders citing that some employees have not received pay raises in 17 years. The unions demand salary improvements, rejecting current proposals that imply zero or insufficient increases for those earning minimum wages starting at 1,088 euros. Sources differ on the exact number of workers, with reports citing between 7,500 and 9,200 employees, including staff at the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY). The strike includes a protest march from the Ministry of Finance to the Presidential Palace at 10:00 a.m. Unions have warned that if their economic demands are not addressed, industrial action will be escalated.