Ministry of Education employees submit memorandum regarding loss of income and benefits

On September 18, 2026, a three-member delegation representing 59 indefinite-term employees from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth submitted a memorandum to the Director of Secondary Technical and Vocational Education, Dr. Ilias Markatzis. The workers, who staff the ministry's support programs, are protesting the denial of their wages and unemployment benefits during the four-month summer period. They attribute this loss to last-minute legislative changes that were implemented without adequate consultation or prior notice, leaving many in a precarious financial situation despite their status as indefinite-term employees.

The workers are demanding the restoration of their rights, equal treatment compared to other indefinite-term staff across government ministries, and the opportunity to work under dignified conditions. They emphasize that they have fixed living expenses and the right to a decent standard of living. This issue has also drawn the attention of the PASEY-PEO and OEKDY-SEK trade unions, which have raised similar demands.

In response, Dr. Markatzis stated that the Ministry of Education maintains a positive stance toward these employees. He confirmed that the ministry has already referred the matter to the Law Office of the Republic to explore potential solutions that align with existing legislation. The memorandum is currently being reviewed, and any further legal questions arising from the document will be formally forwarded for legal assessment.