Around 900 teachers still do not know which school they will report to only days before the start of the new academic year, according to OELMEK President Constantinos Constantinou, who raised the issue following a meeting with Education Minister Athina Michaelidou.
The group includes approximately 700 contract teachers and 200 probationary teachers who know they will be employed during the coming school year but have not yet received their postings.
Constantinou said the delay creates practical difficulties for teachers and affects their preparation, since educators need to know in advance which school, subjects and classes they will be responsible for.
He renewed calls for a mechanism that would allow schools to be staffed earlier, while acknowledging that legal constraints complicate the process.
Dispute over recruitment reforms remains
The main focus of the meeting was the government's proposed changes to the teacher recruitment system, but significant differences remain between the two sides.
OELMEK argues that the proposal goes beyond abolishing the existing appointment candidates list and would effectively alter the current eligibility list as well.
According to Constantinou, the problem arises because a new list would be created based on different rules and criteria.
As a result, teachers who have already passed the existing examinations and secured positions on the current eligibility list would be transferred into a new framework without what OELMEK views as a clear method for matching their current grades and rankings.
Concerns over timing
The teachers' organisation also remains concerned about the timetable for the reform.
Constantinou noted that the issue has been unresolved for years and warned against approving legislation simply because of time pressure.
He said there was concern the process could ultimately become a case of "vote for it because there is no time left".
Further consultations ahead
Discussions are expected to continue, with OELMEK awaiting additional clarifications from the ministry.
The union's objections to key elements of the proposal remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Cyprus Primary Teachers' Organisation (POED) are due to meet Michaelidou on Monday to discuss the same issue.
POED President Myria Vasileiou reiterated this week that retaining the existing appointment candidates list is essential and argued that the ministry's proposal contains significant gaps.
