Game wardens in Cyprus are going on strike due to safety concerns and unfair pay. They are protesting against the lack of safety tools and equipment, as well as the significant salary differences compared to full-time wardens.
Why are Game Wardens Going on Strike?
Game wardens are striking to protest inadequate safety measures and unfair pay disparities. They highlight the lack of essential safety tools, outdated equipment, and protective gear, as well as significant salary differences compared to full-time wardens, despite facing the same risks during the hunting season.
Safety and Equality on the Line for Hourly Game Wardens
Game wardens, responsible for safeguarding wildlife, have declared a 24-hour strike for Sunday, highlighting serious safety concerns. These hourly paid professionals are at the heart of the battle against poaching, yet they claim the state has neglected their wellbeing. The unfolding situation occurs during the peak of hunting season, further intensifying the issue.
Union Backing and Widespread Calls for Action
Backed by the Isotitia (Equality) Union, the wardens have expressed their grievances through a letter directed at top officials, including the president and party leaders. Their concerns spotlight the apparent refusal by the Game and Wildlife fund to equip them with essential safety tools for their critical role in poaching prevention.
Perils in the Workplace
The wardens argue that the fund’s management has been enforcing inefficient practices that jeopardize employee safety. These include the allocation of excessive simultaneous tasks, provision of outdated equipment, and substandard protective gear. They also criticize the long-standing working hours set by the game service management, which they say lead to enduring physical strain.
A Dispute Over Fair Compensation
Highlighting a significant pay disparity, the wardens have pointed out that their full-time counterparts earn more for the same job. While hourly paid wardens start with salaries of €804.90 to €852.31, full-timers have a starting wage of €1,242.58 with additional expenses. This gap widens further up the salary scale, from which hourly workers are excluded.
Seeking Support and Dialogue
Demands for fair treatment extend beyond financial aspects, focusing on the fundamental right for dialogue. The game wardens accuse the Game Fund’s head of avoiding conversations with the union that represents them, citing disturbances caused by the union president’s public statements as the reason for this silence.
Future Steps and Solidarity
As the strike looms, the wardens seek solidarity from members of parliament and insist on the opportunity to present their perspective before the plenum. Their action is not only a call for improved conditions but also a plea for the recognition of their significant role in environmental conservation and wildlife protection.
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- Game wardens in Cyprus are going on strike due to safety concerns and unfair pay.
- They are protesting against the lack of safety tools and equipment.
- They are also highlighting significant salary differences compared to full-time wardens.
- The strike occurs during the peak of hunting season, intensifying the issue.
- The wardens are backed by the Isotitia Union and have expressed their grievances through a letter to top officials.
- They argue that the fund’s management has been enforcing inefficient practices that jeopardize employee safety.
- The wardens point out a significant pay disparity between hourly and full-time wardens.
- They are seeking support and dialogue, and insist on presenting their perspective before the plenum.
- The wardens are calling for improved conditions and recognition of their role in environmental conservation and wildlife protection.
