Philenews

Rift Between Police Chief and Unions Over New Rostering

Published January 21, 2026, 13:26
Rift Between Police Chief and Unions Over New Rostering

Tensions are high between the Chief of Police, Themistos Arnautis, and police unions regarding the new working hours for over 1,000 police officers. A significant gap in views was recorded during a meeting of the parliamentary Legal Committee. The Chief of Police argued that his decision is based on agreements from 2019 that have already been ratified by law. He rejected the proposal for a temporary suspension of the implementation of the new schedule until the scheduled meeting of the Joint Staff Committee of the Police is held. Mr. Arnautis criticized previous Chiefs of Police for not implementing the agreed schedule, while emphasizing that he has consulted with the unions and members of the Force. However, the unionists dispute the extent of the consultation. The president of SAK, Angelos Nikolaou, stated that the Association sent a letter to the Chief of Police on December 11th, without receiving a response, while the president of the Police Corps Branch of “ISOTITA”, Nikos Loizidis, said that “ISOTITA” will consider withdrawing its appeal to the Administrative Court if there is a willingness to dialogue. The meeting was marked by strong reactions and characterizations, with the Chief demanding respect from everyone.