Isotita union challenges proposed conversion of prison guards to security force status

The Isotita union, representing a majority of prison staff, has issued a formal legal notice to Cyprus Minister of Justice and Public Order, Konstantinos Phytiris, demanding the immediate suspension of plans to reclassify prison guards as a security force. The union claims this transition would violate three constitutional provisions, specifically the freedom of contract under Article 26, the right to strike under Article 27, and union freedom under Article 21. According to the union, removing the right to strike renders collective bargaining ineffective for prison employees hired under Law 1/1990. The organization further cited an April 2025 report from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which attributes current systemic issues like 123% overcrowding and internal violence to chronic understaffing and infrastructure deficits rather than employment status. The union asserts that the CPT recommendations emphasize hiring and training rather than structural changes to the workforce. Copies of the legal letter have been sent to parliamentary committees, the Commissioner for Administration, and the CPT. The Ministry of Justice has yet to officially respond to these specific legal concerns.