Tensions reached breaking point for staff at the Social Welfare Services following a serious incident of violence that occurred at the offices in the Ayioi Anargyroi area of Larnaca.
The incident once again brought to the fore longstanding concerns over the safety of employees, as it is not the first time staff have been confronted with individuals in a state of distress or agitation.
Police arrested a 51‑year‑old man who allegedly caused damage with a metal bar to five vehicles belonging to Social Welfare Services employees, which were parked outside the building. The man, a permanent resident of Larnaca and a recipient of minimum guaranteed income, had earlier been involved in a heated dispute with a welfare officer over his housing situation.
In protest, employees at the Ayioi Anargyroi Social Welfare Office staged a spontaneous two‑hour work stoppage from 11:00 to 13:00.
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Chatzistefanou Papaellina, the ministry’s director general Yiannis Nicolaides, and Social Welfare Services director Maria Kyratzi visited the scene, along with Larnaca MPs, and were briefed by staff.
The deputy minister described the incident as unacceptable and said it had caused panic among employees. She pledged that safety and welfare issues affecting staff would be examined in a comprehensive manner and confirmed that those whose vehicles were damaged would be compensated.
The president of the Social Services Officers’ union “ISOTITA,” Andri Matthaiou, said the man demanded that staff find him housing.
“He insisted that officers go out into the streets, look at listings and secure a suitable home for him. We are not estate agents and they cannot expect us to go out and find them housing,” she said.
The case is being handled by Larnaca Police’s Minor Offences Department. The suspect will be charged in writing and brought before court.
The union has reiterated the urgent issue of workplace safety, calling on the authorities to immediately implement effective security measures across all Social Welfare offices.
Union statement
In a statement, the union said that, based on available evidence, a service user caused serious damage to five employees’ vehicles, smashing their windows with a metal bar.
It described the incident as highly concerning, noting that it could have posed a direct threat to staff, citizens and security personnel present at the time.
The union stressed that the incident is not isolated. For years, Social Welfare employees have faced incidents of aggression, threats, intimidation and violence across various offices in Cyprus.
Despite repeated warnings, meetings and assurances, the issue of workplace safety remains largely unresolved, it added.
