Public hospitals on alert as hourly workers set to strike

Public hospitals have been placed on full alert ahead of Wednesday’s 24-hour strike by hourly paid government employees, with state health services organisation Okypy saying measures are in place to maintain essential services and safeguard patient care.

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the uninterrupted provision of healthcare during the strike.

Accident and emergency departments will continue as normal, while care for hospitalised patients is expected to likewise proceed without disruption.

However, Okypy warned that some scheduled appointments and non-urgent services may face delays or be rescheduled.

“Patients who may be affected will be informed in a timely manner by the relevant departments,” Okypy said, adding that every effort is being made to minimise inconvenience to the public.

The 24-hour strike will be accompanied by a protest rally and march in Nicosia, with demonstrations expected to affect central Nicosia routes by the finance ministry and the presidential palace.

The protest will begin at 10am outside the finance ministry in Nicosia before participants march towards the presidential palace.

Authorities warned that roads in the surrounding areas are expected to face temporary disruption.

The demonstration is being organised by unions representing hourly paid state workers and follows a breakdown in negotiations over a renewed collective agreement.

Union organisations have accused the finance ministry of delaying talks for more than a year, saying repeated attempts to begin substantive negotiations have stalled.

Workers are calling for salary increases and improved employment conditions.

Union representatives said, “efforts to renew the agreement have stalled despite proposals being submitted more than a year ago” and warned that further industrial action could follow if no agreement is reached.

Police have urged the public to use alternative routes where possible and to follow instructions from officers on duty.