Cyprus’s secondary school teachers’ union OELMEK has given Education Minister Athena Michaelidou until January 10 to address a range of concerns, threatening “strong reactions” if their demands are not met.
In a strongly-worded letter to the minister, the union cited multiple grievances, including the ministry’s handling of the Alternative School programme, student delinquency, and teacher recruitment policies.
A key point of contention is the staffing crisis in schools, with OELMEK claiming that 20% of educational institutions are understaffed at the administrative level.
The union also highlighted that temporary contract teachers now constitute 20% of the workforce.
The letter criticised the minister’s approach to private school oversight, claiming the ministry has failed to strengthen its supervisory capabilities despite acknowledging limitations in monitoring these institutions.
Other issues raised include delays in implementing air conditioning installation programmes and unilateral changes to the curriculum for migrant students.
Responding to the union’s demands, Michaelidou told philenews that the union’s statement “lacks pedagogical arguments” and contains “many inaccuracies”.
She defended her ministry’s record, stating that they have provided solutions and timelines for various issues that have long plagued the education system.
The minister added that some matters require careful consideration rather than hasty decisions, particularly regarding the modernisation of teacher evaluation systems.
