Government Printing Office staff launch indefinite strike

Hourly-paid staff at the Government Printing Office in Strovolos launched an indefinite strike on April 15, 2026. The labor action was organized by the SEK trade union following a two-year deadlock in negotiations regarding salary scale upgrades. Employees argue that since the 2013 financial crisis, no new permanent public sector printers have been hired, leaving the facility's operations entirely to hourly-paid workers who perform the duties of permanent civil servants. The union reports that the government has refused to meaningfully address these wage grievances. Workers gathered for a protest outside the printing facility at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the strike. There are concerns that the industrial action may delay the printing of ballots for the upcoming parliamentary elections if a resolution is not reached soon. Unions maintain that they have provided thorough documentation justifying their salary claims since early 2024.