An indefinite strike by hourly workers at the government printing office began on Wednesday, causing potential disruption to the printing of ballots for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The 22 hourly employees who operate the facility have halted work in protest at low wages and are demanding an upgrade of salary scales to reflect their responsibilities.

The workers state they are effectively responsible for the full operation of the printing office, which has relied exclusively on hourly staff for years.

Sek’s Nicosia district organiser in Nicosia, Nikos Satsias, said the dispute has been ongoing for two years following repeated discussions with government departments.

He said the process had reached “a dead end” after authorities declined to meet demands.

“With the government’s refusal to consider the people’s request to have decent wages and exhausting all procedures and the industrial relations code, the assembly has decided that we are proceeding with indefinite strike action,” he said.

He stated that no civil servant printers have been hired since the 2013 financial crisis, leaving hourly workers to perform duties typically assigned to permanent staff.

He said the unions have, since 2024, presented documented arguments supporting the need for improved pay conditions, describing current wages as inadequate.

Nikos Satsias said the workers did not intend to disrupt critical functions but aimed to resolve what he described as a longstanding issue.

“The effort is not to create a problem, but to resolve a chronic issue,” he said.

The strike directly affects operations considered sensitive, including election processes and the printing of education ministry examination materials.

Satsias also raised concerns over recent handling of examination materials, stating that the directorate had “violated security codes” by assigning the printing of exam notebooks to private sector providers.

Pasyek executive, Michalis Panayi, said the role of hourly staff has expanded significantly in recent years as the printing office has taken on additional tasks and introduced new machinery.

“Hourly paid workers are currently the main pillar and the staff, who carry out almost entirely the work of the office,” he said.

Panayi described the demands as justified and expressed concern over the response from the finance ministry.

He said workers expect “a positive response” as discussions continue.

Satsias said the next step is expected to involve the convening of the joint labour committee to reassess the dispute and examine possible solutions.

He indicated that industrial action will continue until progress is made.