Nicosia, Cyprus. Prison guards from the Isotita union began a 24-hour strike on Friday, protesting outside the justice ministry over what they describe as unsafe working conditions, union retaliation and the growing “militarisation” of the prison system.
Protest and calls for ministerial engagement
The strike comes amid escalating tensions between staff, prison management and the justice ministry, with the union demanding direct engagement by Justice Minister Costas Fitiris.
A union representative told the Cyprus Mail that the minister is being shielded from the realities inside the prison, saying he had been taken to areas where wings are in good condition and not to prisoners who could speak about their complaints or what is happening inside.
The representative said the protesting staff work in prison wings and should be the ones to provide first-hand accounts to the minister before decisions are made.
Union cites failed dialogue efforts
The representative said repeated attempts at dialogue had met with resistance, adding that when dialogue with the minister and prison management fails, the union takes its concerns to the streets. He said the union is seeking cooperation rather than confrontation.
Key demands
Among the union’s demands are an immediate and substantive meeting with the justice minister, the implementation of a formal training programme for prison guards, and stronger workplace health and safety protections.
The union is also calling for disciplinary proceedings against its vice-president to be dropped, saying the action amounts to retaliation against an elected union official.
What steps do you think should be taken to address prison guards’ workplace safety concerns?
