Workers in Cyprus will stage a three-hour general strike on Thursday from 11:00 to 14:00, affecting schools, airports, hospitals and transport services across the country.
The strike, called by major trade unions SEK, PEO, PASYDY and DEOK, was announced after Monday’s meeting with employers and the labour minister failed to reach agreement on the Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA).
Currently, workers receive 67 per cent of the CoLA entitlement, but unions want it restored to 100 per cent.
The Cost of Living Allowance is an automatic salary adjustment mechanism that currently provides 66.7 per cent of annual inflation increases, resulting in salary increases.
Schools close early as parents must collect children at 11am
The Ministry of Education announced that thousands of pupils across all educational levels will be affected by the industrial action.
Parents and guardians must collect their children from schools at 11:00, with no return bus services operating during the strike period. Those using school transport must arrange alternative collection methods for their children.
Students attending all-day schools may return at 14:00 if parents transport them personally, though school meals will not be provided during the strike.
Over 50 flights face disruption at Larnaca and Paphos airports
More than 50 flights at Larnaca and Paphos airports are expected to face delays or cancellations, affecting over 15,000 passengers at Cyprus’s two main aviation gateways.
Airlines are already rescheduling flights and passengers are advised to contact their carriers directly for updates. Hermes Airports stated that flight rescheduling information will be posted on its website at www.hermesairports.com once completed.
Hospitals suspend non-emergency services during strike hours
Hospitals and outpatient clinics will operate until 11:00 and resume services after 14:00, with scheduled appointments and surgeries during strike hours being rescheduled.
Security personnel will remain on duty at hospitals.
Transport services face significant disruption
Cyprus Public Transport warned that bus services may be severely affected, with significant disruption expected across the entire network during the strike period.
Only morning school bus routes will operate on Thursday, with no return journeys scheduled. Parents are advised to make alternative arrangements for collecting children from school.
Citizen service centres close during strike hours
Citizen Service Centres will remain closed from 11:00 to 14:00, with affected appointments being rescheduled through text message notifications.
Demonstrations planned across five districts
Police announced simultaneous demonstrations at 12:00 in all five districts, including the Ministry of Finance in Nicosia, administrative buildings in Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, and the Labour Ministry’s provincial office in Paralimni.
Traffic disruptions are expected near the strike sites.
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