**Title: Education Support Staff Protest Over Job Security and Unpaid Wages**
On Wednesday, employees working in support programmes under the Ministry of Education staged a protest outside the ministry's headquarters, voicing their concerns regarding job security and unpaid wages. The demonstrators, comprising both permanent and fixed-term staff, are seeking recognition for their years of service and clearer arrangements regarding their employment status and pay.
The protest saw representatives from the staff submit a memorandum to Marios Panayides, the permanent secretary of the ministry. In response to the demonstration, Panayides acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that the ministry is actively collaborating with employees and unions to address these issues. “We are trying to help and address all the problems,” he remarked, emphasizing that recent legislation had been approved to convert eligible workers to indefinite contracts.
Panayides assured the staff that the ministry would implement this legislation promptly and make necessary announcements regarding employment arrangements. He also mentioned that efforts are being made to hire both permanent and fixed-term workers based on the specific needs of the ministry's support programmes.
Despite these assurances, the employees expressed frustration over their fragmented years of service, which they attribute to frequent transfers between different support programmes mandated by the ministry. Eugenia Andreou, a member of the delegation, articulated the staff's demands, stating, “We are asking for the obvious, that our real service and contribution be recognised.” She highlighted that some workers remain excluded from the indefinite employment framework, despite having no control over their transfers.
Another significant concern raised during the protest is the financial instability faced by many employees during the summer months. Andreou pointed out that workers with families and financial obligations are often left without salary and benefits for extended periods. “Workers with families and obligations are left for months without salary and without benefits,” she said, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to this issue.
Panayides responded to the concerns about financial support, noting that eligibility for unemployment benefits falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labour. He confirmed that the education ministry has submitted the names of workers entitled to receive these benefits, indicating a collaborative approach between the two ministries in addressing the situation.
Elena Mitella, a permanent teacher, shared her perspective on the current employment arrangements. She pointed out that those who were converted to permanent status on April 21 find themselves in an “unprecedented category,” as they remain on nine-month contracts. “We are in a phantom category,” she commented, arguing that this status leaves them without a full 12-month salary or access to unemployment benefits during the summer.
In light of these ongoing concerns, the protesting employees have called for an immediate meeting with relevant authorities to clarify their employment status and arrangements. Andreou emphasized that their demands are not about seeking charity but rather about securing their job stability and ensuring that their years of service are properly acknowledged. “We are not asking for mercy,” she stressed, “we are simply asking for the job uncertainty to stop, for our overall service to be counted and for our work security to be ensured.”
As the Ministry of Education continues to navigate the complexities of employment arrangements for support staff, the outcome of these discussions and protests will be closely watched by both employees and stakeholders within the education sector. The situation highlights the critical need for clear communication and support for workers who play a vital role in the educational landscape of Cyprus.