Justice Minister Costas Fytiris signaled the outcome of his meeting with the ISOTITA union delegation, stating: “Whoever exceeds [the boundaries] must be ready for the consequences.” In response to a reporter’s question, he clarified that the shift change was not a “political decision,” adding, “It would be a pity if every directive from the Police Chief was met this way.”
Meanwhile, emerging from the Ministry of Justice building, ISOTITA President Nicos Loizides expressed clear disappointment, stating that President Nikos Christodoulides appeared to agree with the Police Chief’s order and that the Minister could not intervene.
Loizides explained that the union’s “outburst” last Wednesday was provoked because the Police Chief, Themistos Arnoutis, had used “insinuations about strange unions, about corrupt police officers who were abusing overtime, and about ulterior motives of unions when claiming labour rights” during his press conference two hours earlier. “This is why there was the strong reaction, and this is why we informed the Minister of Justice, Mr Fytiris,” he said.
He stated that the Chief’s decision unilaterally cut 15 days of rest for frontline police officers. “The officer used to get one day of rest every 20 days, and today they will get one day every 76,” he added.
Referring to their meeting with Fytiris, Loizides said the Minister informed them that he could not intervene in the Chief’s orders. “Therefore, all police officers must now know that our labour rights are being abolished with the approval of the Government,” he continued.
“This does not satisfy us. It appears this is also the position of the President of the Republic, who seems to have agreed with this order from the Chief. President Christodoulides was informed and said yes, the officers’ rest days should be cut,” he added.
“Therefore, all that remains for us are legal measures: the Mixed Police Committee (MEPA), the European Police Union, the courts, and, with the approval of our council, protest events at locations and on days that will surprise even yourselves,” he stressed. He added that they had already informed the other police union to participate in the protests.
Regarding the call for unity, Loizides responded by saying, “You will not dictate to us as a union what unity is.”
He went on to state that he would not allow frontline officers to “die or be injured,” and warned that if the matter reaches Parliament, “everyone should prepare for what they will hear.”
“There was no consultation whatsoever. Our position is that the proposal must be withdrawn. We are disappointed by those who clipped the Minister’s wings. The order is signed,” he concluded.