Forest firefighters announce 48-hour strike in Cyprus

Forest firefighters and lookouts employed by the Cyprus Department of Forests have announced a 48-hour strike scheduled for May 25 and 26, 2026. The industrial action is organized by trade unions OEKDY-SEK, PASYEK-PEO, and DEE KDOKO-DEOK, protesting the Department's alleged violation of their official Service Plan and previous agreements reached within the Joint Labor Committee. Workers claim that the failure to implement these agreements negatively impacts firefighting readiness, compromises the safety of personnel, and involves the withholding of compensation for those responsible for maintaining heavy fire-fighting vehicles. Furthermore, union representatives report that employees have faced intimidation and threats of disciplinary measures following their complaints. A letter addressing these grievances was sent to the Director of the Department of Forests on May 12, 2026, with copies forwarded to the Ministry of Finance. The unions have warned that further actions may be taken if the issues remain unresolved. While the unions insist on the breach of professional standards, the Department of Forests has yet to provide an official response to these allegations.