Six state hospital unions will begin meetings with their members on Thursday to seek authorisation for possible industrial action, after talks with the State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) on renewing their collective agreement ended without a deal.
The unions‘ last meeting with SHSO management on 30 September ended without agreement. They then sent the organisation a joint proposal, which they describe as final, in an attempt to break the deadlock. Phileleftheros understands that they want a final, official, written reply by Friday 16 October at the latest. They have also requested an urgent meeting between their leaders and the organisation’s board to exhaust every chance of reaching agreement.
Phileleftheros also understands that the unions’ letter to the SHSO board proposes a two-year renewal of the agreement, with specific percentage pay rises. The letter also raises again the unresolved issue of salary scales for staff employed on SHSO contracts.
The proposal sets a timetable for the scales. Talks on them would be completed by mid-2027 and, if agreement is reached, the new scales would take effect on 1 January 2028.
The unions argue that the proposal can form the basis of an agreement while allowing the time needed for meaningful talks on the salary scales.
No decision has yet been taken on the form or timing of any industrial action. In their joint submission to the SHSO, the unions warn that if no agreement is reached, their decision-making bodies will be asked to decide on “all appropriate and lawful measures”.
The meetings start with SHSO head office staff and staff at Nicosia General Hospital, and will continue in the other districts in the coming period. At them, the unions will brief workers on the negotiations.
In earlier negotiations over the SHSO collective agreement, the same six unions went as far as deciding to strike. The previous agreement expired on 31 December 2025, and salary scales have remained one of the main sticking points between the two sides since then.
