Educators in support programs schedule strike over salary and unemployment benefits

Educators working in the support programs of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (YPAN) in Cyprus have scheduled a 24-hour strike for Monday, October 5, 2026. This decision follows weeks of tension, as workers have remained without income for four months, lacking both salary payments and access to unemployment benefits during the summer period. The trade union PASEY-PEO also alleges that the Ministry is acting illegally by filling teaching positions through overtime for permanent staff instead of following established hiring procedures for temporary employees.

Following a meeting between the Ministry and union representatives on Wednesday, September 30, officials presented new data and proposals regarding these compensation issues. In response, affected educators have called an emergency General Assembly for Friday, October 2, at 9:00 a.m. to evaluate the Ministry's latest position. This follows a previous protest held on September 3, where representatives submitted a memorandum to the Presidential Palace and received assurances that their grievances would be settled. The union continues to demand immediate, clear solutions regarding their long-term job security and financial compensation.