Ministry voices frustration over school support workers’ protest as allowance request awaits decision

Nicosia, Cyprus. Education ministry sources have reportedly voiced frustration over a protest announced by school support programme employees only hours after a meeting where they were told that the finance ministry was examining their request for a special allowance.

Summer income gap behind dispute

The dispute concerns employees moved onto indefinite-term contracts last April, who consequently lost eligibility for unemployment benefits over the summer and have no income during that period. Trade unions have sought a special allowance to bridge the gap.

According to ministry sources cited by Reporter, most employees on indefinite-term contracts work in school support programmes. Arrangements have also been made to recruit additional staff during 2026.

Ministry says response is pending

Reporter said education ministry sources were dissatisfied that employees had decided to proceed with the protest despite efforts already in progress to address their concerns.

The sources said the allowance request had been sent to the finance ministry, which has responsibility for considering it, but no response had yet been received.

They also highlighted support measures already introduced, including legislation that ended the previous service-purchasing system and moved workers into indefinite-term employment.

The education ministry said the procedures needed time to advance and reaffirmed that it remained willing to hold further discussions with the unions.

Unions warn of further strike action

SEK and PEO, in a joint statement issued on Thursday, called for written answers and concrete solutions. They warned that, unless their demands were met, they would stage another strike, potentially of indefinite duration, and a protest outside the presidential palace on November 2.