Education ministry support staff initiate indefinite strike in Cyprus

On Monday, November 2, 2026, employees of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (YPAN) support programs in Cyprus launched an indefinite strike. Trade unions PASEY-PEO and OEKDY-SEK initiated the industrial action after citing the ministry's failure to implement legislation passed by Parliament on April 21, 2026, which governs their employment and recruitment. The affected programs include state institutes of further education, music schools, apprenticeship systems, and environmental centers.

Workers demand the safeguarding of income during summer months, the resolution of long-standing payment delays, and the proper staffing of programs according to the law. Unions allege that the ministry is filling positions intended for fixed-term staff with personnel working overtime, leaving many qualified workers unemployed. While optional all-day schools remain operational, the dispute has paralyzed other educational support services.

To escalate their protest, the unions have scheduled a mobilization for Thursday, November 5, 2026, involving a march from the Ministry of Finance to the Presidential Palace. While the Legal Service has issued opinions regarding unemployment benefits, workers insist that a definitive political decision from the government is required to resolve the deadlock and ensure their rights.