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A decision to change the working hours of more than 1,000 frontline police officers has triggered a heated political and labor clash, landing squarely in Parliament at a time when concerns over crime and public safety are already running high.
The issue was taken up Wednesday by the House Legal Affairs Committee after strong backlash from police unions, who accuse the police leadership of acting unilaterally and putting officers’ rest, pay and morale at risk.
At the center of the storm is a move by Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis to alter shift schedules for officers working on a rotation system, a decision he made clear he has no intention of reversing.
“I exercised my legal powers,” Arnaoutis told MPs, citing the Police Law and arguing the change is part of a broader effort to modernize the force and improve operational readiness.
He rejected claims that officers were blindsided, saying the alignment of police schedules with the wider public service was approved by Cabinet back in 2019 but never fully implemented. He also pointed to increased security demands, European standards, health and safety concerns, and Cyprus’ upcoming EU Council presidency as reasons for the shift.
Police unions see it very differently.
Nikos Loizides, head of the police branch of the Equality union, warned the decision is hitting officers where it hurts most: their fatigue and their wallets. He said total working hours remain the same, but rest days are reduced, leading to indirect pay cuts.
“This plays with the exhaustion and psychology of police officers,” Loizides told the committee, adding that the union has already turned to the courts after being told the decision was final.
He left the door open to compromise, saying the union would withdraw its legal challenge if a deal is reached by February 4, 2026.
The SAK police union echoed those concerns, warning of physical and psychological burnout among officers and arguing that a tired police force is less effective and more exposed to danger.
As tempers flared, MPs from across the political spectrum stressed one common point: dialogue is no longer optional.
Committee Chairman and DISY MP Nikos Tornaritis said the debate comes at a critical moment, with organized crime, extortion and violent incidents fueling a growing sense of insecurity among the public.
“The feeling of security is shaken,” he said, arguing that police reform is an institutional obligation, not a political luxury. He called for a deep overhaul of the force, stronger units to tackle serious and financial crime, better coordination, and a more visible police presence in public spaces.
Opposition MPs were more blunt. AKEL MP Aristos Damianou described the shift change as a damaging, one-sided decision taken at the worst possible time, accusing the state of underestimating the threat posed by organized crime.
Other parties, including DIKO, DIPA and ELAM, warned that unrest within the police ranks undermines public safety and called for immediate, meaningful talks to restore labor peace.
*With information from CNA
