**Support Teachers’ Unions Claim Victory Over Unemployment Benefits**
In a significant demonstration of solidarity, teachers involved in support programmes managed by the Ministry of Education gathered in central Nicosia on Thursday to advocate for their right to unemployment benefits during periods when these programmes are not operational. The protest began outside the offices of the civil service union Pasydy and culminated at the presidential palace, where representatives from the teachers' unions Oekydy-Sek and Pasey-Peo submitted a memorandum to President Nikos Christodoulides.
The memorandum was officially received by Victoras Papadopoulos, director of the presidential press office. Union representatives George Konstantinou and Andreas Kounnis expressed optimism following their meeting with Papadopoulos, who indicated that the government is open to addressing their concerns. Konstantinou reported that Papadopoulos assured them that “the government accepts our requests and actions will be taken to move forward and be accepted.”
The teachers are advocating for unemployment benefits during the intervals when their support programmes are suspended, as well as for protections for workers who are transferred between different programmes. Their concerns date back to 2012, when their employment status was altered under a service market model, which they argue stripped them of crucial employment rights. Despite recent legislation aimed at regulating the employment of fixed-term, full-time, and part-time employees in these support programmes, the unions contend that many issues stemming from the previous system remain unresolved.
During the demonstration, the teachers received positive feedback from the education minister, Athena Michaelidou, who indicated plans to initiate the tender process for two programmes requiring fixed-term staff. This development was welcomed by the unions, who emphasized the importance of securing unemployment benefits during school term breaks, similar to provisions in other sectors. They are also advocating for a system that would provide 12 monthly salaries, akin to what permanent teachers in public schools receive.
Kounnis warned that if their demands are not met, the unions would escalate their actions. He emphasized the unions' desire to avoid further protests, stating, “We do not want to inconvenience anyone, we do not want to be on the streets. What we want is proper treatment for our workers, for everyone to have equal rights to cover daily needs.”
As the situation unfolds, the unions have been given a two-week timeframe by Papadopoulos to advance their requests. The outcome of these discussions will be closely monitored by both the teachers and the public, as the unions seek to ensure that their rights and needs are adequately addressed by the government.