Hourly government employees suspend 24-hour strike following presidential intervention

A planned 24-hour strike by hourly government employees in Cyprus was suspended on September 17, 2026, following the direct intervention of the President of the Republic. The labor action was initially called due to disputes over the renewal of the collective agreement and salary increase demands, which the Ministry of Finance had previously rejected on the grounds that such increases could set a precedent for other public sector categories.

Following a meeting at the Presidential Palace attended by government officials and union representatives, including OEKDY-SEK General Secretary Giorgos Konstantinou, a new round of negotiations was scheduled. The parties have agreed to meet again on September 28 at 11:00 to finalize an agreement regarding the collective contract and salary improvements.

While the Ministry of Finance had signaled that most union requests were viewed positively, the issue of salary hikes for the approximately 6,500 hourly workers remains the primary point of contention. The outcome of the upcoming September 28 meeting will be presented to the Pan-Cyprian Assembly of Workers' Representatives for final approval, marking a critical step in resolving the standoff.