Ministry of Education employees protest against job instability and poor working conditions

On August 6, 2026, employees on fixed-term and indefinite contracts working in support and training programs under the Cypriot Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth submitted a formal letter of protest. They expressed deep concern over ongoing employment uncertainty, systematic unfavorable treatment, and administrative inertia that has reportedly led to financial hardship for staff, including instances of three-month periods without any income between 2013 and 2023.

The protesters are demanding the immediate filling of vacancies without bureaucratic interview processes, proper legal grounding for their positions based on European and Cypriot law, and a formal meeting with ministry officials to address past injustices. They argue that the current system lacks accountability and negatively impacts their professional livelihoods.

The staff have stated they reserve the right to initiate dynamic collective mobilizations and to file formal complaints with the European Commission regarding violations of Directive 1999/70/EC. Additionally, they are considering escalating the matter to the Ombudsman and the competent courts if their demands are not addressed promptly by the ministry.