The “ISOTITA” union announced several measures against unilateral, illegal, and arbitrary cuts to security forces’ holidays, including a protest outside Parliament. Following an unsatisfactory meeting with Justice Minister Konstantinos Fytiris, the union plans Cypriot court action on holiday reductions and a demonstration during the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee’s session on the issue.
Detailed action plan unveiled
“ISOTITA” statement outlines initial steps. First, they sent a letter to the Mixed Police Committee chair (led by Justice Ministry’s director general) protesting the exclusion of “ISOTITA”, representing about 2,500 officers, from next week’s meeting, allowing unchecked ministry and police chief influence against the sole attending union. Justice Ministry allegedly created faits accomplis via committee checks against officers.
Second, outreach to Europol (European police union, “ISOTITA” member) will inform Europe on the unilateral rights breach, seeking response strategies ahead of Europol’s early 2026 Cyprus conference.
Third, legal proceedings launch against holiday cuts in Cypriot courts.
Fourth, mass call to security forces members, families, and supporters for a symbolic protest outside Parliament during Legal Affairs’ session, lasting until adjournment for public result briefing by willing MPs. “ISOTITA” invites rival SAK union for joint first protest, compliant with security forces and demonstration laws; awaits House Speaker’s swift scheduling and party leaders’ presence.
Fifth, protest call for all officers to legally withdraw from police welfare funds by emailing State General Accountant by January 10, 2026. Central fund chaired by police chief.
Sixth, demand full payment by February 28, 2026, of three-year overdue extra hours (blue cards: 71,000 hours for 2020-2022), per 2023 Audit Office report. Police HQ pledged three installments to 2026 without union agreement, yet none paid after two years; now verbal shift to 2028. Unclear timeline for 2023-2025 hours. Non-payment risks court over Wages Law violation. Pre-harmonization decades of extra hours also claimable.
Call to arms for dignity
The statement urges colleagues to back legitimate measures for families and dignity: “We are workers, not numbers.” Officers returned hundreds of millions via 2013 cuts and abolished allowances, standing as state’s shield in crises.
Yet in 2026, they face no holidays, no duty insurance, unpaid overtime, no voluntary retirement plan, undefined hazardous profession, outdated regulations (promotions etc.), and weak anti-crime laws, left unprotected by state. Signed Nikos Loizidis, “ISOTITA” police branch president.
Also read: Fytiris meets unions; “overtime work will not be abolished”
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