Isotita union requests European Commission intervention regarding public sector employment

On October 18, 2026, the Cypriot trade union 'Isotita' officially requested the intervention of the European Commission concerning the employment conditions of approximately 5,000 indefinite-term civil servants and various fixed-term workers in the wider public sector. The union alleges systemic unequal treatment, restricted recognition of prior service, and inadequate legal protections, arguing that Cyprus has failed to properly implement the EU Directive 1999/70/EC.

The formal request pertains to an ongoing complaint, CPLT(2019)00286, which the union claims has remained unresolved for over 92 months. Documentation provided by Isotita includes an analysis of 77 rulings from Cypriot courts across all judicial levels. The union has also notified the European Ombudsman, the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions, and national authorities, stating this serves as a formal administrative step before potentially filing for malpractice.

Separately, the union is challenging three government bills currently under legislative scrutiny, which they argue further undermine fair labor practices. The European Commission is now tasked with evaluating these legislative measures and the long-standing complaint to determine compliance with European employment directives. The union is seeking a prompt resolution to these issues, citing prolonged delays in the processing of their grievances at the European level.