Isotita has accused the police chief of exceeding their authority regarding proposed alterations to officers’ working hours. This escalation in tensions was articulated on Wednesday by Nikos Loizides, the head of Isotita’s police branch, during an appearance on CyBC radio.
Concerns Over Shift System Changes
Loizides expressed strong disapproval of the decision made by police chief Themistos Arnaoutis to modify the existing shift system. He argued that such a significant change should have received the approval of the council of ministers before its implementation planned for January. According to Loizides, the police chief is mandated by article 13 of the police law to present recommendations regarding police duty hours to the cabinet.
Legal Framework and Allegations
Loizides stated, “This did not happen. There has been an excess of authority.” While he refrained from categorically labelling the chief’s actions as illegal, he implied that the police leadership may have acted outside its legitimate powers. This assertion is bolstered by a legal opinion the union has received from its advisers.
International Attention on Cypriot Police
In a further development, Isotita has been notified that the European police confederation (EuroCOP) plans to send a delegation to Cyprus later this month to investigate the situation. According to Loizides, EuroCOP aims to inform the European Parliament about what he characterised as the “mistreatment of Cypriot police officers.”
A Call for Action
Loizides exclaimed, “We have become an international disgrace,” and accused both the police leadership and the justice minister of undermining frontline officers by reducing rest days. The union argues that the proposed reform could result in officers losing up to 15 rest days annually. Previously, officers enjoyed one day off for every 20 working days, whereas the new system would reduce this to one day off for every 76 working days.
Defending Officers’ Rights
Isotita contends that these rest days represent a protected labour right that has been secured through extensive negotiations over the years. The union firmly believes that such rights cannot be changed unilaterally by the police leadership.
Parliamentary Involvement and Potential Protests
Isotita has requested that the matter be reviewed by the House Legal Affairs Committee in January. Loizides has indicated that if the current plans are not suspended, the union is prepared to escalate the situation by organising protests and pursuing legal action.
Lack of Assurance from Authorities
Despite engaging in discussions with justice minister Costas Fitiris, Isotita claims to have received no substantial assurances regarding the concerns raised. Loizides emphasised that the union remains committed to acting as “both shield and spear” for police officers, asserting that reform cannot occur at the expense of established rights and due legal process.
Next Steps for Isotita
As tensions mount between Isotita and police leadership, the union is poised to take decisive action if their demands are not met. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the proposed shift changes and the broader implications for police officers in Cyprus.
