The action has been organised by the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers' Union (KTOEÖS), which says that serious shortages of teaching staff, unfinished building work and overcrowded classrooms are making it increasingly difficult for schools to provide a proper education.
65 teachers missing across 24 subjects
According to the union, schools are currently short of 65 teachers across 24 different subjects. It claims that classes are being combined, increasing the number of pupils taught together and placing additional pressure on teachers and school administrators.
The union argues that these shortages should have been addressed before the new academic year began, rather than leaving schools to struggle with the consequences.
Unfinished school buildings
Another major complaint concerns construction and strengthening work at school buildings.
The union says that delays and poor planning have left some schools operating alongside unfinished building projects, raising concerns about safety.
In other cases, pupils are being taught in temporary container classrooms, which the union argues are unsuitable for providing a proper learning environment.
There are also complaints that playgrounds and areas intended for social activities have been reduced because of ongoing building work.
Disagreement over full-day education
The dispute goes beyond buildings and teacher shortages.
The union has also criticised the government's approach to full-day education, arguing that extending the school day without first providing sufficient teachers, suitable classrooms and supporting facilities cannot produce the improvements that parents and pupils have been promised.
It maintains that educational reforms need adequate resources and proper planning, rather than simply changing the hours that children spend at school.
Strike action moves to Girne
Today's action follows earlier protests in the Güzelyurt and Lefke areas.
The decision to hold a partial afternoon strike in Girne was taken by the union's management following discussions with school representatives and headteachers.
Union president Ahmet Karaoğulları has made it clear that the organisation intends to continue pressing for improved working conditions, adequate staffing and what it describes as modern, scientific and secular education.
What about the children?
Whatever anyone's opinion of industrial action by teachers, there is an important question here.
Children have already begun the academic year in circumstances that the union describes as seriously inadequate. If the reported shortages and building problems are accurate, those difficulties affect pupils regardless of whether their teachers are on strike.
Parents will understandably be concerned about further disruption to lessons, but they may be equally concerned about children spending their school days in overcrowded classrooms or alongside unfinished construction work.
The immediate issue is today's afternoon strike. The larger question is how quickly the education authorities can address the problems that have brought teachers to this point.
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