Cyprus’ three main teachers’ unions—POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK—have issued a joint warning to the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, demanding a formal, written proposal regarding the teacher appointment system. The unions are concerned about the upcoming abolition of the current system in August 2027 and the potential for staff victimization. They emphasize that any transition must ensure uninterrupted staffing of public schools for the 2027-2028 academic year and beyond, while guaranteeing fair treatment for all educators, regardless of their current placement list. Reports suggest the Ministry is considering moving existing educators to a "closed list," though this would require them to pass new appointment exams to secure permanent status, a proposal the unions strongly oppose.

The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the need to address structural flaws in the current decade-long transitional legislation. In response to the unions' pressure, the Ministry pledged to submit a working document with proposed changes in the coming days. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou highlighted that while reform is necessary, it remains a complex and challenging process. The unions remain skeptical, labeling previous discussions as vague, and continue to urge for a sincere, institutionalized dialogue to resolve the uncertainty facing thousands of educators.