Education support staff strike in Cyprus over labor conditions

Since Monday, November 2, 2026, employees of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth support programs in Cyprus have been on an indefinite strike. The industrial action affects twelve programs, including State Institutes of Further Education and music schools. Approximately 950 workers, represented by the PASYDE-PEO and OEKDY-SEK unions, are protesting to demand income security during summer months and the re-employment of colleagues who remain unemployed. The unions report that these staff members have faced five months without income. A major protest is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, starting with a gathering outside the Ministry of Finance followed by a march to the Presidential Palace.

Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou stated that the government has already converted the staff status from contract-based to permanent and clarified that providing unemployment benefits during summer months is legally prohibited under current public sector regulations. While unions and supporters like POED and OELMEK argue the workers' treatment is unacceptable, the Ministry maintains that most requests have been met and insists that solutions must be found through dialogue rather than protests. The Ministry has warned that it may implement contingency measures if the strike persists, while negotiations remain open for the next two weeks regarding broader appointment system reforms.