Cyprus health workers announce 48-hour strike

Employees of the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) in Cyprus have unanimously decided to hold a 48-hour strike on November 10 and 11. The industrial action is being organized by several trade unions, including OEKDY SEK, PASYDY, PASYEK PEO, DEE KDOKW DEOK, PASYNO, and PASYKI.

The strike stems from dissatisfaction regarding the non-implementation of the 2023-2025 Collective Agreement, specifically concerning annual salary increases and the establishment of personnel structures. Workers claim these unresolved issues contribute to understaffing and affect the efficiency of public nursing services and patient care.

Negotiations for the 2026-2027 Collective Agreement have reached an impasse. Unions report that the SHSO is demanding advance commitments regarding the methodology for salary scales starting in 2028, a condition the unions refuse to accept. The workers are seeking salary scales and agreed-upon structures to ensure professional advancement and organizational productivity. The collective agreement affects approximately 1,600 employees, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, technical, administrative, and clerical staff.