Although a special meeting was held on October 21 between the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth with the OEKDY-SEK and PASEU-PEO unions regarding pending issues concerning employees in the Ministry’s Support Programs, during which it was agreed to allow one week to examine the issues raised; the unions proceeded to announce strike action for October 23, according to the Ministry.
In a statement, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security notes that the government “has demonstrated in practice its support for these workers by implementing substantive changes that improve and safeguard their employment status.” Specifically, it notes that the service procurement system was abolished, the workers were granted employee status, and subsequently, those who met the relevant requirements became permanent employees.
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Read more: Double strike today in Education and Social Services: Demands and warnings of escalation
Furthermore, it should be noted that the legislation passed on April 21, 2026, regulated the employment status of staff and established the procedure for future hiring.
Regarding the issues that remain unresolved, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs clarifies that current legislation does not permit the payment of unemployment benefits to these specific permanent employees. For this reason, the Ministry is seeking an alternative solution within the current legal framework and has already forwarded a relevant proposal from the unions to the Ministry of Finance for consideration.
Regarding the staffing of the Programs, it is noted that all permanent employees—who have priority under the new legislation—have already been hired. At the same time, procedures have been initiated for the additional hiring of fixed-term employees during the current school year, with relevant job postings published in the major Support Programs.
“The Government fully respects workers’ right to strike. At the same time, however, it considers it self-evident that agreements reached through dialogue must be respected by all parties. Otherwise, the very effort to find solutions is undermined,” the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs states, adding that it remains committed to supporting workers and addressing outstanding issues.
