Cyprus government hourly workers maintain strike action for September 17

Hourly government workers in Cyprus are set to hold a 24-hour nationwide strike on September 17 after negotiations regarding their collective labor agreement reached a standstill. Representatives from three major trade unions—OEKDY-SEK, PASYEK-PEO, and DEE-KDOKO-DEOK—confirmed on August 20 that the industrial action remains in effect as there have been no developments since the initial strike announcement on August 5.

The trade unions are demanding a new government proposal that includes general wage increases and higher starting salaries for staff working in public schools, government departments, and state hospitals. George Konstantinou, speaking on behalf of OEKDY-SEK, emphasized that the unions remain open to dialogue and are seeking a negotiated settlement to improve current low wage levels. They stated that the purpose of the action is to secure a fair agreement rather than to cause public disruption or inconvenience.

Currently, the government has not responded to the unions' call for further dialogue. The strike is scheduled to proceed unless a revised proposal is presented and an agreement is reached prior to the mid-September deadline.