Ministry of Education support staff continue indefinite strike

On Thursday, November 5, 2026, employees of the Ministry of Education’s support programs held a protest march from the Ministry of Finance to the Presidential Palace in Cyprus. Representatives from the OEKDY-SEK and PASEY-PEO unions, including secretaries George Constantinou and Andreas Kounnis, delivered a resolution to Deputy Government Spokesman Giannis Antoniou, requesting a direct meeting with the President of the Republic to resolve outstanding labor issues. Following an emergency general assembly held that evening, the workers decided to continue their indefinite strike, which officially began on November 2, 2026.

The primary grievances include a five-month salary delay and the lack of income security during summer months. The protesters challenged government claims that permanent staff are ineligible for unemployment benefits, stating that these issues should have been addressed during previous negotiations. They are demanding an immediate, definitive solution, including retroactive coverage for the summer of 2026, and the urgent staffing of support programs for employees on fixed-term contracts.

As of now, the strike remains active. Union representatives continue to urge the President to intervene personally to finalize a settlement. Workers are awaiting further communication from the government, which may potentially arrive on Friday, to decide on the future of their industrial action.