Health workers to stage 48-hour strike in Cyprus over collective agreement disputes

Approximately 1,600 employees of the State Health Services Organization (OKYpY) in Cyprus have unanimously decided to hold a 48-hour strike on November 10 and 11, 2026. This industrial action, involving doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, follows a breakdown in negotiations regarding the renewal of their collective agreement for 2026–2027 and alleged failures by the organization to honor provisions of the 2023–2025 agreement, specifically concerning annual pay raises and personnel structures.

The unions, including SEK, PEO, DEOK, PASYNO, PASYDY, and PASYKI, argue that the failure to finalize staffing structures exacerbates understaffing issues and hampers public hospital operations. Disagreements persist over salary increases: while unions demand a 3% annual raise for 2026 and 2027, OKYpY has countered with 2.75% and 2.50% offers, partially tied to performance assessments. Additionally, unions reject the organization's demand for binding commitments on salary methodology for 2028 before current issues are resolved.

OKYpY spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou has urged the unions to avoid premature actions, stating there is still room for consultation. However, the labor groups maintain that they will proceed with the strike unless their concerns are addressed by November 10, warning of potential further escalations if their demands remain unmet.