Staff at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre in Nicosia have announced a one-hour work stoppage in support of a long-time female colleague whose dismissal was described by unions as “unacceptable”, “unlawful” and “illegal”.

The “symbolic” stoppage will take place between 10am and 11am, the branches of Sek and Peo unions representing the centre’s employees said. Patient services would not be interrupted, the unions stressed.

They said that in the case of the woman who was fired, an employee of 25 years, “the dismissal process did not follow due and legal procedures”.

They did not provide more details, only said this was an action that “lacked sensitivity”, especially considering the humanitarian work of the Oncology Centre and the dedicated work that had been done by the particular staff member over quarter of a century.

“The attitude of the management is in complete contradiction with the principles that should govern an organisation with such a humanitarian mission,” the unions said.

They added that the responsibility for the decision lies with management but the Oncology Centre’s board also played “a decisive role” in the process.

The board consists of representatives of the presidency of the Republic, the ministers of health and finance, as well as BoC executives.

The two unions called on the management and board to revoke the dismissal and “immediately reinstate” the employee to her position.