Nicosia, December 2, 2025
Το:
Mr. Ruslan Stefanchuk
Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine <headoffice@ei-ie.org>, <Kateryna.osv@gmail.com>
Copy to:
Embassy of Ukraine to the Republic of Cyprus <emb_cy@mfa.gov.ua>, <consul_cy@mfa.gov.ua>
Subject: Urgent Appeal to Withdraw Amendments Restricting Teachers’ Rights
Dear Mr. Stefanchuk,
On behalf of Cyprus Greek Teachers' Organisation (POED), we express deep concern regarding the proposed amendments included in the Committee on Education, Science and Innovation’s conclusion to the Draft Law “On the State Budget for 2026.”
These amendments would violate Ukraine’s Constitution, decisions of the Constitutional Court, and international obligations under ILO Conventions 87, 98, and 151, as well as commitments to UNESCO and the Council of Europe. They also disregard the principles of social dialogue and partnership with the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine (TUESWU).
If adopted, these changes will severely damage the resilience of Ukraine’s education system during wartime, harm millions of students, and jeopardize post-war recovery.
We respectfully urge you to withdraw the proposed amendments and
- Prevent an increase in weekly workload for teachers
- Prevent the dismissal of employees and their transfer to fixed-term contracts
- Comply with the provisions of the Law on Education, which stipulates that the minimum salary for educators should be three times the minimum wage
- Engage in meaningful negotiation with TUESWU which represents one million teachers
Education is a cornerstone of Ukraine’s future. Protecting teachers’ rights is essential to safeguarding quality education and national recovery.
We stand in solidarity with TUESWU and call on the Parliament to uphold democratic principles and social justice.
Sincerely,
The President The General Secretary
Myria Vasileiou Charis Charalambous