Giorgos Maltezos, vice-president and spokesperson of the Prison Officers' Sectoral Council of the ISOTITA union, has described his dismissal as unlawful and vindictive, rejecting the Justice Ministry's position that the termination of his employment resulted from a disciplinary process unrelated to his trade union activities.
Speaking to Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6 on the programme Proini Epitheorisi, Mr Maltezos argued that the reasons behind his dismissal lay elsewhere.
"They did not dismiss me because I was not doing my job. They dismissed me because I was an obstacle to their plans," he said, describing the decision as predetermined, unlawful and retaliatory.
Dispute over absences
Addressing allegations regarding his absences from work, Mr Maltezos said the time in question was used for his duties as an elected trade union representative of prison officers.
According to him, the service was informed in writing in advance and relevant documentation exists.
"They labelled as unjustified absence the lawful protected time I had as an elected representative of ISOTITA," he said.
He also rejected claims that his absences disrupted prison shift schedules, arguing that he had already been transferred away from shift duties and that his position did not affect staffing levels.
"A lot of lies have been told," he said, adding that the matter would ultimately be decided through legal proceedings, as he intends to challenge his dismissal in court.
Links dismissal to union activity
Mr Maltezos connected the dismissal to the trade union activities of the prison officers' branch and public complaints raised about conditions in prisons.
According to him, problems began after the union started publicly highlighting issues including drugs, rapes, chemical substances and other concerns within the prison system.
"Our voice was inconvenient," he said.
"The problem is that we are not supposed to speak. We are not supposed to point out what is wrong. That is what bothers them."
He said the union had first attempted to raise concerns through official channels, sending letters and repeatedly requesting meetings with the ministry and prison management.
According to Mr Maltezos, the Justice Minister met union representatives once after taking office but no further meeting was held for approximately eight months.
"We are not extremists and we do not seek publicity. We want to solve problems," he said.
'They beheaded me to send a message'
Mr Maltezos argued that the decision was intended as a warning to other workers.
"They beheaded me in order to send a terrifying message to every employee."
He further claimed that 95 hours of his rest time had been deducted in connection with periods devoted to trade union activity.
He insisted that his employment record was very different from the image now being presented.
According to Mr Maltezos, his supervisors had previously described him as an "excellent employee" and he had routinely worked nights and weekends when required.
Criticism of prison conditions
Discussing the situation in Cyprus prisons, Mr Maltezos argued that conditions have deteriorated since Costas Fytiris became Minister of Justice.
He referred to incidents involving stabbings and rapes, saying such cases regularly become public.
Mr Maltezos also maintained that prison overcrowding requires urgent action, arguing that solutions exist but are not being implemented.
Despite his dismissal, he said he intends to continue his trade union activities and announced an extraordinary general assembly of the sector for Monday evening at 7:30pm.
He said the assembly would decide on the union's response and, when asked whether work stoppages or industrial action were being considered, replied that "all possibilities remain open".
Fytiris rejects claims
Speaking separately to Politis Radio, Justice Minister Costas Fytiris reiterated that the dismissal was unrelated to trade union activity and stemmed instead from non-compliance with regulations.
He argued that separate issues were being conflated.
"We must distinguish between what happens in the prisons, trade unionism and non-compliance with regulations," he said.
"It has nothing to do with names."
According to Mr Fytiris, the case involved repeated failures to comply with workplace procedures.
He gave the example of an employee deciding independently that he would not attend work every Tuesday and Thursday without obtaining approval.
"No one can impose their own wishes," he said.
Different interpretation of trade union rights
Responding to Mr Maltezos's claim that the absences related to trade union duties, Mr Fytiris said union representatives may carry out their activities outside working hours, while leave is required for union work during working time.
He referred to Article 50 of the Trade Unions Law, arguing that procedures already existed for allocating specific hours for trade union activity.
According to the minister, Mr Maltezos had instead declared that he would be absent for the entire day every Tuesday and Thursday.
"Trade unionism is a right, but we have forgotten our obligations," he said.
Disciplinary process and legal challenge
Mr Fytiris said the disciplinary investigation was carried out by an administrative officer of the ministry rather than the deputy prison director.
"What was placed before me justified termination of employment," he said.
He added that Mr Maltezos now has access to all available legal remedies.
"If he is vindicated, then obviously the decision will change. That is what democracy means."
Overcrowding remains a challenge
On prison overcrowding, the minister acknowledged that the problem exists but rejected suggestions that all proposed solutions can be implemented immediately without meeting legal requirements.
"I am at the top of the mountain because of my position. I can see all the slopes and I know what is happening," he said.
He argued that those proposing solutions do not necessarily have access to all available information.
Regarding community service orders, he noted that legislative provisions are required, while electronic monitoring through ankle bracelets is subject to specific categories and criteria.
Plans for prison reform
Mr Fytiris said planning is under way to address prison-related challenges.
Measures include the construction of a new correctional facility, recruitment of a prison director and additional prison officers, upgrades to existing infrastructure and the installation of electronic systems.
"Problems are not solved instantly," he said.
He added that, beyond infrastructure improvements, a change in mentality is also required.
"We do not only have rights. We also have obligations."
