Cyprus state hospital unions suspend planned 48-hour strike

Six trade unions representing staff at the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY) in Cyprus announced the suspension of a 48-hour strike originally scheduled for November 10 and 11, 2026. This decision follows intensive negotiations between the unions—PASYDY, SEK, PEO, DEOK, PASYKI, and PASYNO—and the organization’s administration. The move was prompted by a ratified draft agreement that addresses key labor disputes, including salary structures and the renewal of the collective agreement for 2026–2027.

The core of the agreement includes across-the-board salary increases of 2.75% for both 2026 and 2027. Crucially, the final proposal removes a controversial requirement that previously linked these salary hikes to individual employee performance appraisals. While performance assessments will continue within the organization, they will no longer serve as a condition for receiving annual pay increments. This resolution was reached after the OKYPY board ratified the draft proposal on November 4, providing a breakthrough in the standoff.

Representatives from both sides have scheduled a follow-up meeting for November 10, 2026, to finalize the formal document for the renewal of the collective agreement and to determine the official signing date. This development effectively averts industrial action in the healthcare sector, ensuring that hospital services will continue to operate normally without interruption.