Public school teachers protest proposed appointments changes at presidential palace

Nicosia, Cyprus. Hundreds of public school teachers demonstrated at the presidential palace on Thursday afternoon against proposed changes to the appointments system, fearing many would be left without secure employment prospects.

Teachers seek guarantees

Demonstrators held placards reading “We are people, not numbers” and shouted their opposition to the education ministry’s latest appointments plan.

Teachers are seeking firm assurances that those with prior service will be guaranteed prospects for a permanent position.

Myria Vasiliou, head of the primary school teachers’ union Poed, told reporters they were demonstrating for their “dignity”.

“When injustice becomes law, reaction is a duty. You can’t ask a teacher to create conditions of security for the children, when the teacher herself or himself lives in insecurity,” she said.

Constantinos Constantinou, head of the secondary school teachers’ union, said: “Unfortunately, the ministry’s updated proposal does not address our key concerns.”

The head of the retired teachers’ association, speaking at the same event, compared the protest to a strike held 63 years ago demanding equal pay for men and women.

Delegation delivers memorandum

A delegation of teachers was admitted to the presidential palace and handed a memorandum to deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou.

The delegation later said Antoniou had left open the possibility of a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides at a later date.

Ministry says talks remain ongoing

Earlier, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou expressed surprise at the protest, saying talks with teachers were still ongoing and the ministry had not yet presented its final proposal.