Cyprus was brought to a standstill on Thursday, as thousands of workers staged a nationwide strike demanding the full restoration of the cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA).
The three-hour stoppage lasted from 11am to 2pm, disrupting flights, public services, and transport, underlining the scale of the labour dispute and the unions’ aim to secure CoLA for all employees.
The unions stressed that CoLA preserves workers’ purchasing power, supports living standards and consumption and helps enforce collective agreements.
More than 50 flights were affected, impacting over 15,000 passengers, with airlines rescheduling departures.
Hospitals operated with emergency staff only, while cancelled surgeries and appointments are to be rearranged.
Citizens’ service centres closed for three hours, public buses were grounded, and traffic across the road network was heavily disrupted.
Union leaders addressed the central rally in Nicosia where Deok president Stelios Christodoulou said, “CoLA must continue for current and future generations.”
Pasydy general secretary Stratis Mattheou said the turnout demonstrates support for CoLA and that unions will continue strikes to protect it.
Sek general secretary Andreas Matsas said the strike sends a clear message to political parties and the government about workers’ rights.
Peo general secretary Sotiroula Charalambous highlighted participation across Cyprus and referenced low-wage workers. Leaders from the remaining nine unions also spoke.
The unions that participated are: Sek, Peo, Deok, Pasydy, Poed, Oelmek, Oltek, Poaso, Pasyki, Pasyno, Esk, Sak, and Sypyk.
Political parties also chimed in with statements.
The Green party called for modernising CoLA to ensure universal application, suggested adjustments based on wage levels, and urged all social partners to use the situation to implement fair distribution.
Far-right political party Elam said it is monitoring developments and highlighted that over 50 per cent of workers do not currently receive CoLA. The party proposed revising financial criteria to ensure workers receive CoLA without losing other social benefits
The central rally was held at noon in the courtyard of the finance ministry in Nicosia, with simultaneous demonstrations in Limassol, Larnaca, Paralimni, and Paphos.
The unions issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to CoLA, declaring they will continue their actions until it is fully restored according to its original purpose. They said employers maintained a rigid stance during social dialogue, and the government did not submit a proposal based on the transitional agreement schedule.
The strike is part of ongoing discussions between unions, employers, and the government on CoLA, a system that adjusts wages according to changes in the cost of living.
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