**Man Arrested as Union Calls for Greater Protection for Welfare Officers**
Larnaca, Cyprus – A 51-year-old man was arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly vandalizing five vehicles belonging to employees of the Social Welfare Services (SWS). The incident took place outside the SWS office located in Agioi Anargyroi, Larnaca, where the police are currently conducting an investigation.
According to police reports, the man was accused of smashing the windshields of the vehicles using a metal bar, causing significant damage. This act of vandalism has raised serious concerns about the safety of SWS employees, prompting the social services branch of the trade union Isotita to take action.
In response to the incident, Isotita organized a work stoppage from 11 am to 1 pm outside the SWS office. The union emphasized that this incident is part of a larger pattern of aggression faced by social welfare employees. In a statement, Isotita highlighted that for years, employees have encountered threats, intimidation, and violence while performing their duties.
The union's statement pointed out that previous meetings have been held to address workplace safety, and proposals for improving security measures have been submitted. However, they lamented that these measures have not been fully implemented, leaving the issue of employee safety unresolved.
Isotita called upon the director’s office of SWS and the deputy ministry of social welfare to take immediate action by implementing “specific, effective and fully functional security measures” at all SWS offices. The union noted that some offices currently have malfunctioning or non-functioning security systems, which could jeopardize the safety of both employees and the public who visit these offices.
The call for improved security measures is not new. Isotita has previously urged for enhanced safety protocols following break-ins at SWS offices in February and August of the previous year. The union expressed that the lack of adequate security not only puts social service employees at risk but also endangers regular residents who visit the offices and the security personnel on duty.
As the investigation into the vandalism incident continues, the union’s actions highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of security measures within social welfare offices across Cyprus. The ongoing issues of aggression and violence against welfare officers underscore the critical importance of ensuring a safe working environment for those dedicated to serving the community.
The situation remains fluid as authorities work to address the concerns raised by Isotita and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in social welfare services.