Veteran Cypriot trade unionist Antonis Neophytou dies at 22-year tenure anniversary

Antonis Neophytou, the former General Secretary of the trade union SIDHKEK-PEO, has passed away. A veteran trade unionist and longtime member of the PEO Executive Council, Neophytou served as the head of the union representing municipal and semi-governmental organization workers for 22 years before his retirement in 2019.

Throughout his career, Neophytou was recognized for his dedicated advocacy of labor rights and his significant contributions to the development of PEO as a class-based trade union organization in Cyprus. Beyond his union leadership, he was an active figure in the Popular Movement and a long-standing member of AKEL, having joined the party in 1975 and served on its Central Committee.

His funeral is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Agia Varvara Church in Kaimakli. The public may offer condolences to his family starting from 1 p.m. at the church, followed by burial at the Kaimakli cemetery. PEO has announced it will cover all funeral expenses to honor his extensive service to the labor movement and his enduring commitment to the organization's principles even after his official retirement.