Health Minister Michalis Damianos on Tuesday called on unions and the state health services organisation (Okypy) to keep talking to avoid a strike in state hospitals.

Earlier, trade unions said they would stage a 24-hour strike at state hospitals during the first half of October after a meeting on Monday regarding collective agreements failed to satisfy their demands.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Damianos said he fully understood the unions’ demands, however the priority was safeguarding public health and providing uninterrupted health services.

The unions involved – Sek, Peo, Pasydy, Deok, Pasyki and Pasyno – evaluated the current status of negotiations with Okypy on reaching a collective labour agreement for Okypy staff.

They expressed frustration over the lack of progress, attributing the delay solely to Okypy. According to the unions, the organisation has repeatedly postponed meetings and avoided signing the agreement, a move they consider deliberate.

They criticised Okypy’s approach as undermining social dialogue and the collective bargaining process.

In response, the unions resolved to hold a 24-hour strike in the first half of October. Local general assemblies will be held to set the exact date and plan further escalation if necessary.