**Education Ministry Support Staff March on Presidential Palace Over Rights**
Nicosia, Cyprus – On September 3, 2026, support staff from the Ministry of Education organized a protest march to the Presidential Palace, advocating for their rights and job security. The demonstration began at 9:30 AM at the PASYDY building, with participants expressing concerns over their employment status and benefits.
The protest comes in the wake of recent changes made by the government regarding the employment conditions of these workers. According to a ministry source, the government addressed a longstanding demand from the support staff by converting their employment from a service-purchase arrangement to salaried positions. This transition was initiated shortly after the current administration took office.
The ministry's source noted that a bill had been prepared to secure the workers' status as ΕΑΧ/ΕΟΧ employees, which aligns their rights and obligations with those of public service employees. This change was seen as a significant step towards improving job security for the support staff, who were previously employed under less stable arrangements.
Despite these developments, the workers are still facing challenges. The ministry source highlighted that under current legislation, the support staff are not entitled to unemployment benefits, a situation that has raised concerns among the workers. The Labour Ministry has reportedly agreed with this position, and a wider legal opinion on the matter has been sought.
In response to the ongoing protests, the ministry has committed to seeking legal advice from the Law Office to address the workers' concerns further. Additionally, it has pledged to proceed with the necessary steps to announce the State Institutes of Further Education and other training programs for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
While the ministry argues that it is responding positively to the workers' demands, the protest indicates that there is still a significant level of dissatisfaction among the support staff. The ministry source has stated that, given the steps being taken to resolve the issues, the protest may be considered unwarranted.
As the march progressed towards the Presidential Palace, police issued a statement regarding expected road closures and advised drivers to avoid the affected areas. Authorities urged patience and cooperation with officers on the scene.
The protest reflects a broader context of labor rights discussions in Cyprus, particularly within the education sector. The support staff's actions underscore the ongoing dialogue between government entities and workers regarding employment rights and benefits.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will address the remaining concerns of the education support staff and what impact this protest will have on future negotiations.