Newsroom
The general strike called by 32 unions across both public and private sectors in the occupied territories continues for a second day today, as workers protest proposed amendments to key regulations affecting their livelihoods. The strike centers around the government's proposed changes to the "cost of living" regulation (CoLA) and collective agreements, with workers demanding the withdrawal of the controversial measures.
Today, like yesterday, a large number of workers gathered outside the "parliament" with black umbrellas, symbolizing their protest against the draft amendments. The unions are taking a stand against changes to the 'collective labor agreement,' the 'law on strikes and referendums,' and the 'law on the right to collect living expenses,' all of which are seen as detrimental to workers' rights.
As the "parliamentary committee" convenes to discuss these amendments under an urgent procedure, including a potential ban on strikes in "parliament" and the ports, tensions continue to rise. Reports from Turkish Cypriot media suggest that while the "government" invited union leaders to a meeting inside the "parliament," the session was abruptly interrupted after the "government" failed to attend. KTAMS President Guven Bengiham, representing the largest union of "public" workers, called the situation "a great disrespect" after waiting for 45 minutes.
In addition to today's ongoing strike, the municipal workers' union announced plans for a work stoppage in Nicosia starting next Monday. The union's president emphasized that if the proposed amendments are not withdrawn, they are prepared to take more drastic actions.
According to sources in the Turkish Cypriot press, the unions are particularly upset over the government's decision to increase the budget for the "presidential" complex by 200% while simultaneously claiming to save public finances by slashing workers' rights through the CoLA and collective agreements. The unions argue that the government's approach is financially irresponsible and unfair, with the burden falling disproportionately on workers.
The protests are gaining momentum, with mass demonstrations outside the "parliament" yesterday. During those protests, workers called for the resignation of the "government," and "Prime Minister" Unal Ustel responded by claiming that there was no plan to abolish the CoLA. He assured the public that the government would protect the most vulnerable groups. However, this statement was quickly dismissed by critics. Biorak Mavis, the General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Guild, called it a "lie," asserting that the amendments would harm vulnerable groups, particularly those on social security or receiving minimum wage.
Selma Eilem, the president of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Guild, also expressed frustration outside the "parliament" today, accusing the "government" of ignoring the message from workers. "We are here today and we will not allow what you want to do," she said. Eilem urged the "government" to stop taking orders from Ankara and start prioritizing the needs of the people.
The strike and protests have garnered widespread support from Turkish Cypriot unions and organizations, including KTÖS, KTAMS, KTOEÖS, KAMUSEN, and many others. As the demonstrations show no signs of stopping, the pressure on the "government" to reconsider the proposed amendments is mounting.
It remains to be seen whether the unions will succeed in halting the changes, or if the "government" will stand firm on its course. For now, the strike continues as workers push back against what they see as a direct threat to their rights and livelihoods.
