Members of the Prison Guards Branch of the Equality Trade Union (ISOTITA) have elected dismissed prison officer Georgios Maltezos as branch president, days after his termination from the Department of Prisons, while also authorising potential protest measures.
The decisions were taken during an emergency general assembly held on Monday evening at the union's offices in Aglantzia, following Mr Maltezos' dismissal on 31 July.
According to a union statement, the meeting adopted three key resolutions.
Three decisions
First, members authorised the Prison Guards Branch Council to take whatever response measures it deems necessary, including possible industrial action.
Second, the branch restructured its leadership through elections.
Mr Maltezos, who had served as vice-president and spokesperson of the branch, was elected president of the Prison Guards Branch Council.
The outgoing president, Constantinos Constantinou, was elected vice-president.
Third, members agreed to sign a declaration stating their position that Mr Maltezos' dismissal was "manifestly unlawful and blatantly unjust".
The declaration is expected to be submitted to the House Labour Committee when the issue is discussed by lawmakers.
Union challenges dismissal
In its statement, ISOTITA described the dismissal as "unlawful, immoral and flagrantly unjust".
The union argued that the decision appeared to be based on concerns that Mr Maltezos' conduct could serve as a model for other employees.
It further claimed that the case file contains no allegations relating to prisoners, drugs, negligence in the performance of duties or prison security issues.
The union also said employment records show that Mr Maltezos completed significant additional hours of work without claiming overtime pay.
Legal and political action
According to the union, the matter is now being pursued through multiple legal and institutional channels.
It said complaints have been submitted to several authorities, including the Attorney-General, the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights, the Anti-Corruption Authority, and the International Labour Organization's Committee on Freedom of Association.
The union said the case is also expected to be examined by the House Labour Committee, while legal proceedings are continuing before the courts.
An appearance before the Supreme Court is scheduled for 18 August, according to the union.
'The response was given through a ballot'
Reflecting on the election of Mr Maltezos, the union said the dismissal had been signed by one individual, but the response had come through a democratic vote of members.
"The person whom some sought to remove from public affairs was yesterday elected president of his branch," the statement said.
The union pledged its continued support for Mr Maltezos and said it would challenge the dismissal through every legal avenue available.
