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Reaction from Police Unions to New Police Schedule - Warn of Measures

Published December 30, 2025, 11:14
Reaction from Police Unions to New Police Schedule - Warn of Measures

The Cyprus Police Association (PASYDY) and the Police Association of Cyprus (SAK) are strongly reacting to the recent decision by the Police leadership to drastically reduce the annual leave days of police officers from 19.5 to 4.7 days, as well as the change in the way work schedules are formed. The unions describe the decision as a “flagrant violation of labor institutions” and a “unprecedented practice”. They argue that working hours are a fundamental right of employees and cannot be unilaterally modified. They cite a 2017 agreement to align police schedules with that of the public service, which provided for harmonization over a three-year period. SAK has scheduled an emergency meeting to consider the issue and decide on response measures. Union sources report that dynamic escalations and decisions with institutional impact are being considered, in case the leadership insists on its decision. The unions warn that the implementation of the decision will undermine trust between police officers and leadership, with negative consequences. The situation remains tense and further escalation is expected.