Public sector labor strikes disrupt social welfare and education services in Cyprus

On Friday, October 23, 2026, Cyprus faced widespread labor unrest as workers from two critical public sectors initiated 24-hour warning strikes. Social Welfare Services officers, represented by the ISOTITA trade union, staged a protest outside the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare at 09:00. The employees cite chronic understaffing, excessive caseloads, bureaucratic hurdles, and safety concerns, asserting that these long-standing issues hinder their ability to provide quality protection to citizens. While the union demands immediate improvements, the PASYDY trade union opted to abstain from this specific strike, citing good faith after recent discussions with Deputy Minister Tina Pavlou regarding a plan to address their concerns.

Simultaneously, support staff in the Ministry of Education’s programs held a nationwide strike organized by unions PASEY-PEO and OEKDY-SEK. Workers expressed frustration over unfulfilled government commitments, including the lack of income for hundreds of employees since May 2026 and the displacement of staff by permanent teachers. Their demands include a summer allowance for the June-August period, the filling of fixed-term vacancies for the 2026-2027 school year, and protected rights for legal secondary employment. The unions have warned of further escalations, including a potential indefinite strike and a protest at the Presidential Palace on November 2, if the government fails to provide written solutions.