Workers in the support programmes of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (YPAN) began an indefinite strike on Monday, 2 November, demanding guaranteed income during the summer months and the rehiring of colleagues who remain unemployed despite years of service.
According to a joint statement by the PASEY-PEO and OEKDY-SEK unions, the decision followed months of consultations and interventions that, they say, failed to produce meaningful solutions for affected employees.
Two key demands
The unions are calling for the immediate implementation of government commitments and have set out two main demands:
- Guaranteed income during the summer months for permanent-term employees who are left without salaries and unable to claim unemployment benefits.
- The immediate rehiring of long-serving employees who remain out of work despite years in the programmes.
The unions argue that the current situation leaves some workers without income for extended periods while experienced staff remain unemployed.
Protests across Cyprus
As part of the industrial action, simultaneous strike gatherings are being held from 4pm to 5pm on Monday at the State Institutes of Further Education (KIE) in:
- Strovolos
- Limassol
- Paphos
- Larnaca
- Paralimni
March to the Presidential Palace
The unions plan to escalate their action on Thursday, 5 November, with a nationwide protest outside the Ministry of Finance at 3pm, followed by a march to the Presidential Palace.
"Responsibility lies with the government"
In their statement, the unions said responsibility for the continuation and escalation of the strike rests with the government, which they argue must resolve the outstanding issues without further delay.
They also appealed for understanding and solidarity from those attending the support programmes, saying the dispute is linked to broader efforts to improve and strengthen the programmes for the benefit of society.
The unions concluded by thanking organisations and individuals who have already expressed support for the industrial action.
