OELMEK rejects education ministry's revised teacher appointment proposal

The OELMEK trade union has formally rejected the revised proposal from the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth regarding the new teacher appointment system. The union communicated its decision in a detailed letter to Minister Athena Michaelidou, stating that the proposal dated October 6, 2026, fails to address critical concerns, leaving significant gaps, ambiguities, and contradictions regarding the legal and scientific framework of the recruitment process.

In its official response, the union’s Central Administrative Council reaffirmed its long-standing positions, emphasizing that the ministry's adjustments do not align with the directives established by the Pan-Cyprian Conference of General Representatives. The union argues that the current proposal lacks the necessary clarity and documentation required for a stable professional staffing system.

A meeting between the OELMEK leadership and Minister Athena Michaelidou was scheduled for October 26, 2026, to discuss the union's grievances. This rejection highlights the ongoing impasse between the educators' union and the government, prolonging the uncertainty surrounding the future structure of teacher recruitment in the country. The parties are expected to continue negotiations to resolve the differences in their respective positions.