Teacher unions announce strikes in Mağusa and Girne over education shortages

Teacher unions in Northern Cyprus have announced several strikes and work stoppages to protest systemic issues within the education sector.

The Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers' Union (KTOEÖS) has scheduled a strike for the afternoon of Monday, October 5, in schools located in the center of Famagusta (Mağusa) and surrounding areas. KTOEÖS President Ahmet Karaoğulları cited severe shortages of 65 teachers across 24 different branches, inadequate infrastructure, and safety concerns regarding earthquake reinforcements. The union also criticized the Ministry of National Education’s “full-day” education program, labeling it a forced imposition that fails to address actual resource needs.

Separately, the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS) announced collective work stoppages at the Girne Special Education and Vocational Training School on Monday, October 5, and Thursday, October 8, between 14:00 and 15:30. KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş stated the action is a response to teacher shortages and the improper reassignment of staff, specifically noting that 40 successful candidates for special education positions remain unappointed while schools face vacancies.