Teacher and support staff unions schedule protests in Cyprus

Teacher unions POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK have announced a joint protest outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on October 8, 2026, at 17:00. This action follows their concerns over proposed government legislative changes to the teacher appointment system, which they argue threaten job security for long-term staff. The unions plan to hold a press conference on October 5 to detail their position. Education Minister Athina Michailidou has expressed concern over the timing of the protests, stating that dialogue is ongoing and an updated proposal is being prepared for the unions, while cautioning against what she described as attempts to pressure the ministry.

Separately, employees of the Ministry of Education's support programs, represented by PASEY-PEO and OEKDY-SEK, have also scheduled a 24-hour strike and a nationwide protest at the Presidential Palace for October 5, 2026, at 10:00. These workers, who transition from purchase-of-services contracts to regulated employment, claim the government has failed to honor prior commitments regarding their income and employment status. Both groups of workers cite a lack of progress in negotiations as the primary reason for their industrial action, while the Ministry maintains that it is working to resolve outstanding issues through established channels.