Cyprus' Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth has defended its handling of employment issues affecting workers in its support programmes, arguing that unions proceeded with strike action despite an agreement to continue discussions for a further week.
The ministry's comments come after employees in the support programmes launched a 24-hour strike on Friday over unresolved labour concerns.
Ministry points to previous reforms
In a statement, the ministry said the government has already implemented significant measures to improve and safeguard the employment status of affected workers.
It noted that the previous services-purchase arrangement had been abolished and replaced with salaried employment, while eligible workers were subsequently granted indefinite-term employment status.
The ministry also highlighted legislation approved on 21 April 2026, which formalised employment conditions and established procedures for future recruitment.
One-week extension had been agreed
According to the ministry, a special meeting was held on 21 October with unions OEKDY-SEK and PASEY-PEO to discuss outstanding issues.
It said both sides had agreed to allow a one-week period for the matters raised to be examined before further action was considered.
Despite that understanding, the unions announced strike measures for 23 October, the ministry added.
Unemployment benefit issue remains unresolved
The ministry acknowledged that some issues remain outstanding, including requests relating to unemployment benefits.
However, it said current legislation does not allow the payment of unemployment benefits to workers employed on an indefinite-term basis within the programmes.
According to the statement, an alternative solution is being explored within the existing legal framework and proposals submitted by the unions have already been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for consideration.
Additional recruitment under way
Regarding staffing needs, the ministry said all eligible indefinite-term employees have already been recruited under the provisions of the new legislation.
It added that recruitment procedures are also under way for additional fixed-term employees during the current school year, with vacancy announcements already published for major support programmes.
Call for respect of dialogue process
While stressing that the government fully respects workers' right to strike, the ministry said agreements reached through dialogue should be honoured by all parties.
"The government fully respects the right of employees to strike. At the same time, however, it considers it self-evident that agreements reached through dialogue should be respected by all sides. Otherwise, the effort to find solutions is undermined," the ministry said.
The ministry added that it remains committed to supporting employees and addressing the issues that remain pending.
