Dismissal of unionized prison guard leads to confrontation between Ministry of Justice and Isotita

The Cypriot Ministry of Justice terminated the employment of Giorgos Maltezos, a prison guard and vice president of the Isotita trade union, citing repeated failure to comply with operational orders. The Ministry states that Maltezos systematically absented himself from work on Tuesdays and Thursdays for months without authorization, allegedly invoking his union duties as justification. Minister Kostas Fytiris emphasized that the dismissal was based on the findings of a disciplinary investigation and strictly concerns professional misconduct rather than union activism.

Conversely, the Isotita trade union vehemently rejects these claims, calling the dismissal "illegal, vindictive, and politically motivated." The union argues that the disciplinary file itself acknowledges that Maltezos was targeted because his actions could set a precedent for other staff. Isotita insists that the dismissal is a retaliatory move aimed at silencing criticisms regarding overcrowding, understaffing, and security issues within the Central Prisons. The union has also denied allegations that a recent meeting with the Minister involved discussions regarding Maltezos, while other union branches have expressed solidarity with the dismissed worker.

Legal proceedings are currently being initiated by Maltezos against the Ministry of Justice and the Prison Directorate. The union has scheduled an extraordinary general assembly to decide on potential industrial actions, and the issue is expected to be raised before the House of Representatives.