Cypriot teacher unions prepare for industrial action over appointment reforms

Teacher unions in Cyprus, including POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK, have announced their intention to take dynamic industrial action in response to the Ministry of Education’s proposed bill concerning the teacher appointment system. The unions expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Ministry's handling of the legislative process, citing a lack of institutional respect and a failure to engage in meaningful social dialogue. According to union representatives, the bill threatens the employment future of hundreds of teachers.

To coordinate their response, the organizations have scheduled formal meetings for their collective bodies. The 100-member General Council of POED is set to convene on Monday, November 16, 2026, to finalize potential strike measures. Following this, the Central Administrative Boards of OELMEK and OLTEK will meet on Thursday, November 19, 2026, to determine their respective courses of action. Additionally, the unions have formally requested a meeting with the Parliamentary Education Committee to present their concerns and advocate for adjustments to the current framework.

Union officials, including POED General Secretary Charis Charalambous, warned that if the Ministry proceeds with its current plans, the resulting industrial action could potentially impact the entire school year. The unions maintain that there is still time for the government to reconsider its approach, which they characterize as an unprecedented threat to job security for current educators.