Cyprus teacher unions announce protests over job security concerns

Teacher organizations in Cyprus, including POED, OELMEK, and OLTEK, have confirmed a planned protest outside the Presidential Palace. The mobilization follows a revised proposal from the Ministry of Education that educators claim fails to address critical concerns regarding job security.

Union leaders argue that the new plans threaten the livelihoods of many educators, including those with up to 15 years of experience. They contend that the proposal does not resolve the systemic issues caused by 2015 legislation, which they say created inequalities and distortions within the teaching profession.

Specific criticisms include the potential for a ‘closed registry’ to lead to temporary appointments without long-term stability, and the risk of leaving substitute and part-time teachers in a state of professional uncertainty. The unions maintain that the state's attempt to correct past legislative errors should not result in new victims or increased labor insecurity for experienced staff.