Justice and Public Order Minister Kostas Fytiris schedules successive engagements today with representatives from security personnel unions, responding to his personal invitation for comprehensive mapping of portfolio challenges following recent assumption of duties. Unions anticipate prioritizing the contentious issue of police operational schedules during discussions.
Fytiris emphasizes channeling personnel demands through established institutional channels, eschewing public confrontations that undermine primary missions.
Union outcry against circular
PASYDY and Cyprus Police Association (SAK) issued a Tuesday declaration lambasting a “blatant subversion of labor institutions through unprecedented practices,” asserting that working hours constitute a foundational, inviolable right for all employees, impervious to unilateral modifications. “ISOTITA” union decries the leadership’s autonomous decision to curtail holidays as a violation eradicating entrenched entitlements. Deputy President Nikos Loizidis anticipates ministerial elucidation on governmental concurrence with Police Chief Themistoklis Arnaouti’s determination: alignment affirms endorsement; divergence exposes profound hierarchical discord.
Official rebuttal on overtime
Police spokesman Byronas Byronos refutes union objections to the Chief’s circular, clarifying no scheduled Chief-union meetings absent requests. He affirms the Chief neither combats officers nor abolishes overtime, which persists precisely where exigencies demand, countering prior potential abuses, though no criminal infractions identified. Following organic vacancies fulfillment, reinstating the 37.5-hour weekly regime, agreed with unions since 2019, proves feasible; already implemented for administrative roles.
Circular specifically addresses 12-36 shift personnel compelled to 40 hours amid COVID-19 emergencies and staffing shortfalls, now reversible.
Ministerial plea for cohesion
Fytiris’ Tuesday communiqué repudiates “impermissible characterizations” targeting police leadership, prioritizing societal security through unwavering accountability. Acknowledging escalated demands on front-line security and correctional services, he implores collective introspection on public responsibilities, advocating requisite concessions ensuring police efficacy and prison stability.
Undertaking holistic issue cartography for substantive, pragmatic resolutions via collaborative endeavor. Cultivating unified ethos from rank-and-file officers and wardens to apex leadership emerges paramount for operational efficacy, humane welfare, and occupational security, any deviation imperils institutional integrity.
Source: Philenews
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