Government, PASYDY agree to set up public service reform committee

Local financeLabourNikos Christodoulidespublic servantsTop News Government, PASYDY agree to set up public service reform committee Pasidi Proedros 1536x1152 Relevant News Government, PASYDY agree to set up public service reform committee 4 August 2026 Second Limassol road death in hours as scooter rider dies from injuries 4 August 2026 Bangladesh warns media against airing Hasina’s planned address from India 4 August 2026 newsroom 4 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The government and the Cyprus Public Servants Union (PASYDY) have agreed to create a joint committee to examine problems arising from public service reform and submit specific proposals by the end of September. PASYDY Secretary-General Stratis Matthaiou said the decision was taken at a meeting between the union’s Central Secretariat plenary and President Nikos Christodoulides. The meeting was held at the Presidential Palace. Also attending were the Finance Minister, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, and the Director-General of the Finance Ministry, among others. Discussions focused on the state’s digital transformation, building infrastructure, career progression for low-paid workers, fixed-term and permanent staff, and the difficulties arising from public service reform. Matthaiou described the meeting as productive and said it took place in a good atmosphere. The joint committee will include representatives from the Finance Ministry, the Public Service Commission and PASYDY. It must complete its proposals by the end of September. The two sides also agreed to keep discussing career progression for low-paid workers and the status of fixed-term and permanent employees with the Finance Ministry. “We are pleased with the results of the meeting,” Matthaiou said, adding that PASYDY looks forward to intensive contacts with the Finance Ministry to obtain specific answers on the issues raised. “We did not ask for raises” Asked whether PASYDY’s demands carry a financial cost, Matthaiou made clear the union had not asked for pay rises. He explained that discussions focused mainly on modernising the public service, aiming for “a quality public service, modernised, effective, friendly and helpful to citizens, businesses and the state.” He noted, however, that some issues may carry a financial cost, citing as examples the conversion of fixed-term employees to permanent status and career progression for low-paid workers. According to Matthaiou, the Finance Minister appeared generally positive. Poor conditions in government buildings Particular reference was made to public service building infrastructure, with Matthaiou mentioning that conditions were poor in some services. He specifically cited the Interior Ministry, housed in the old Archigrammateia building, as well as the Social Welfare Services. The meeting noted that plans exist for the gradual construction of government buildings, but implementation depends on the state’s financial capacity and available budgets, and cannot happen immediately. On timelines, proposals for the reform are due by the end of September, while other issues have a year-end horizon. Promotions system also on the table The meeting also raised the issue of interdepartmental promotions and the written examination system. Matthaiou said the President showed understanding towards PASYDY’s positions. He added that he expects the joint committee to produce specific proposals on interdepartmental promotions, to be submitted to the President by the end of September. Separate meetings planned for police and fire service Issues concerning the police and fire service were not discussed at this meeting. According to the PASYDY Secretary-General, it was agreed that two separate meetings would be held with the President to examine issues specific to the two security services. Dates for those meetings are expected to be set soon. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Second Limassol road death in hours as scooter rider dies from injuries Bangladesh warns media against airing Hasina’s planned address from India Oi Mageirisses: flavours from home Septemberfest Nicosia Beer Fun Festival returns for 15th year DISY names Maouris to lead tourism portfolio at government monitoring council Israeli man fined €840 after 14 cartons of untaxed cigarettes found at checkpoint Iran demands inbound control of Hormuz and outbound oversight, source says Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.