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Prison Officers Union Welcomes Announcements on New Prisons

Published January 8, 2026, 10:20
Prison Officers Union Welcomes Announcements on New Prisons

The Prison Staff Branch of PASYDY (Pan Cyprian Union of Public Employees) describes the announcements by the Minister of Justice regarding new prisons outside the urban area and the strengthening of the Prison Department with new hires as a “critical first step” in the right direction. These measures respond to long-standing demands of the staff, who are facing a system operating at its limits. PASYDY emphasizes that the chronic understaffing, increased risks to the safety of staff and inmates, and exhausting working conditions have pushed the correctional system to its breaking point. It calls for the immediate translation of announcements into action, with clear implementation timelines and the filling of vacant positions. The Prison Staff Branch points out the need for meaningful participation of staff representatives in all stages of decision-making and implementation of changes. It commits to remaining an active and reliable interlocutor and ally in any sincere effort to modernize and upgrade the correctional system. At the same time, PASYDY warns that it will closely monitor the progress of the announcements and will not accept a repetition of past practices, where commitments were not fulfilled. It reaffirms its unwavering support for any effort made to improve working conditions and safety in the Prison Department, for the benefit of staff, inmates and society.