Members of the Cyprus Primary School Teachers’ Union (POED) will hold a work stoppage on Thursday, 18 December 2025. This action comes as the teacher evaluation bill is scheduled for discussion in parliament.
In a statement released on 11 December, POED described the decision as inevitable. Furthermore, the union indicated that additional measures remain possible.
The Executive Board of POED made the decision during a meeting, where it assessed the latest developments.
Union Expresses Disappointment
Despite extensive efforts by POED, the teacher evaluation bill appears headed for plenary approval in a version that differs from the union’s positions. As a result, the organisation voiced strong regret over this outcome.
Moreover, POED raised serious concerns about amendments proposed by MPs and political parties. These changes affect points where agreements had previously been reached with the Ministry of Education.
For instance, one prominent issue is the inclusion of deputy directors and directors in the final teacher evaluation process, which POED firmly opposes.
Roots of the Conflict
POED had anticipated these challenges. In May 2025, the Ministry of Education unilaterally submitted the teacher evaluation bill, which included unresolved disagreements, ambiguities, and gaps not aligned with the union.
Consequently, the organisation immediately criticised this approach. However, the ministry did not adequately address POED’s concerns.
Therefore, POED emphasised that protest action has become unavoidable, while keeping open the option for further steps.
Also read: Education Committee: “gaps and ambiguities” in teacher evaluation rules
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