Cypriot teachers' unions threaten industrial action over appointment bill

On November 10, 2026, the three major Cypriot teachers' unions—POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK—announced their intention to convene their governing bodies to consider industrial action. This decision follows a period of heightened tension regarding a proposed government bill aimed at reforming the public education appointment system.

The unions issued a joint statement expressing severe dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Education's handling of the legislative process. They characterized the Ministry’s conduct as a lack of respect toward their institutional role, citing a "tragic delay" in initiating a meaningful social dialogue. The organizations argue that the government’s firm stance threatens the job security of hundreds of educators and undermines the established framework for institutional consultation.

While the Ministry of Education previously issued clarifications regarding the bill's technical aspects, the unions remain unconvinced. The unions emphasized that they will not remain passive in the face of what they describe as an unacceptable approach by the government. They are currently preparing to deliberate on specific protest measures, signaling an escalation of the dispute if the Ministry does not shift its current policy trajectory.