Tensions between OELMEK and Ministry of Education over teacher appointments

As the new school year approaches, approximately 900 teachers in Cyprus—comprised of 700 contract workers and 200 probationary staff—remain without assigned school placements. OELMEK, the secondary education teachers' union, has formally rejected the Ministry of Education's latest proposal regarding the modernization of the teacher appointment system, citing concerns over the planned abolition of existing appointment lists by 2027.

The union argues that the current proposal does not adequately protect affected educators and will lead to further instability. OELMEK highlights staffing failures from the 2026-2027 academic year, where hundreds of positions in subjects like Philology and Mathematics were filled despite a shortage of successful candidates in the official appointment registers. The union insists that the Ministry must revise its plan to reflect decisions made by the General Assembly of Representatives.

While the Ministry of Education, led by Minister Athina Michailidou, aims to finalize school staffing by September 7, negotiations remain at a standstill. OELMEK has warned of potential industrial action if the government does not address their concerns, demanding a system that balances meritocracy with the protection of current staff. The academic year for secondary education teachers begins on September 1, followed by the return of students on September 7.