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Hundreds of workers from across Cyprus gathered Thursday outside the Ministry of Finance in Nicosia to defend the Automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustment (ATA), sending a unified message to government officials to “keep their hands off” the program.
Thirteen unions participated in the demonstration, including SEK, PEO, DEOK, PASYDY, OELMEK, POED, OLTEK, POASO, PASYKI, PASYNO, ESK, SAK, and SYLYK. Leaders of the labor organizations addressed the crowd, describing the turnout as a “sea of workers,” before submitting a joint resolution to ministry representatives.
The unions said the strike was aimed at protecting the integrity of the ATA, ensuring its full implementation, and extending its coverage to all employees. Throughout the rally, workers chanted slogans calling for the adjustment to remain tied to the minimum wage and true to its original purpose.
“ATA for all, based on its original philosophy,” they shouted in unison, punctuated by repeated calls of “Hands off the ATA.”
The resolution submitted to the government criticized employers for taking a rigid stance during social dialogue, proposing changes that unions say would effectively dismantle the ATA and undermine collective labor agreements. The unions also expressed frustration that the government failed to capitalize on opportunities to mediate and reach a compromise.
“Employers must honor their commitments and engage constructively in dialogue,” the statement read, emphasizing that the ATA is essential to protecting workers’ purchasing power, maintaining social cohesion, and supporting the broader economy.
The unions vowed to continue advocating for low- and middle-income workers through meaningful wage increases, revisions of the ATA in collective agreements, and expanded coverage to all employees.
The protest concluded with a renewed call for respect, dignity, and fairness in the workplace, highlighting the urgency of government action to safeguard the benefits of the cost-of-living adjustment.
