Organised parents’ associations have strongly criticised OELMEK’s decision to proceed with a work stoppage next Thursday, arguing that labour action should not be used when an organisation fails to secure support for its positions, particularly when such action affects students.
In a statement, the Secretariat of the Pancyprian Confederation of Federations of Parents’ Associations of Public Secondary Schools said it met on 15 December to examine developments following OELMEK’s announcement of a work stoppage on Thursday, 18 December 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
The Confederation expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision, recalling the significant disruption caused by a previous OELMEK work stoppage on 19 November. It stressed that while the right to strike is protected as a fundamental human right under Article 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, and trade union freedom is safeguarded under Article 21(2), these rights must be balanced with the constitutional right to education, as provided for in Article 20.
The parents’ organisations underlined that objections, reservations or even an organisation’s inability to persuade others of its views should not lead to strike action that infringes upon the rights of third parties, and in this case, students. They stated that they cannot support actions that deprive children of their right to education.
They also expressed confidence that the House of Representatives would put an end to the ongoing disruption by voting on a new Teacher and Educational Work Evaluation Scheme on 22 December. At the same time, they clarified that they do not seek to deny anyone the right to pursue their demands, but expected a more responsible approach that would not result in hardship for thousands of parents and pupils.
The Confederation further noted that it is practically impossible for 96,000 parents to leave their workplaces in order to transport more than 48,000 students to schools at 9:00 a.m. following the work stoppage, as has been suggested.
In addition, the parents called on the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth to take these concerns into account and proceed with the necessary arrangements to facilitate all affected students. While stressing that they have demonstrated a responsible stance throughout this period, they warned that they will not tolerate children being used as leverage in the pursuit of trade union demands.
The issue will be discussed at a plenary session of the Confederation’s Board of Directors on Thursday, 18 December, where further decisions are expected to be taken.