Cypriot teachers unions proceed with protest against education ministry reform proposal

Cypriot teacher unions POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK have confirmed they will proceed with a protest outside the presidential palace on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The mobilization follows the rejection of the Ministry of Education's updated proposal regarding teacher appointment reforms, which the unions argue fails to address the lack of job security for thousands of educators currently working under contract or indefinite terms.

The unions specifically object to the ministry's plan to create a 'closed registry,' claiming it will lead to temporary appointments without clear paths to permanent employment. They describe the proposal as a mechanism that perpetuates professional uncertainty and leaves many experienced substitute teachers without adequate protections or career prospects.

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou has defended the updated proposal as fair and balanced, stating that the ministry does not consider the situation to be at a deadlock. She noted that the department has provided the unions with a one-week window to submit written feedback on the revised document. Despite the government's invitation for further debate, the unions maintain that the current ministry proposal provides no grounds for cancelling the scheduled protest.