Alpha News

“Chief’s Obsession”: Police Officers Outraged by Schedule Change, PASYDY Holds Emergency Meeting

Published December 30, 2025, 11:26

The police unions in Cyprus, PASYDY and the Police Association of Cyprus (SAK), are expressing strong dissatisfaction and outrage over the statements made by the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnautis, regarding changes to the working hours and the reduction of days off from 19.5 to 4.7 days. The unions accuse the “Chief’s obsession” and warn that a unilateral change in the schedule will violate labor rights. They argue that the current schedule is the product of an agreement in 2017 to align with the public service schedule over a three-year period and that any changes must be made through negotiations. They appeal to the Chief to reconsider his decision. The SAK has announced an emergency meeting to study the issue and take response measures. The situation appears tense, with the unions warning of a disruption to the climate of trust between the police and administration. The disagreement concerns the significant reduction in days off, from 19.5 to 4.7 days, which is causing concern among police officers about their working lives and the need for a balance between professional and personal obligations.