Isotita union demands permanent status for indefinite-term educators in Cyprus

The Pan-Cyprian Union ISOTITA has formally addressed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports regarding the modernization of the Educator Appointment System. On August 18, 2026, the union issued a statement acknowledging positive aspects of the Ministry’s working paper, including the inclusion of professional experience scoring, the elimination of the minimum success grade, and a reduction in the weight of written examinations from the current 50% threshold.

Despite these improvements, the union strongly objects to the proposed status of educators currently employed on an indefinite-term basis. The Ministry’s proposal states that these individuals will continue to be employed provided that school needs exist. ISOTITA argues that this conditional language does not guarantee job security and creates a risk of termination. The union demands a clear legislative amendment to transition these individuals to permanent status, citing European Directive 1999/70/EC and past Labor Dispute Court decisions to emphasize that these teachers fulfill permanent school needs and perform the same duties as tenured staff.

The union is now pushing for a formal legislative resolution to secure these positions, rejecting any language that ties future employment solely to fluctuating operational needs.