Unions in Northern Cyprus Continue Nationwide Strike

On December 27, unions in Northern Cyprus pressed on with a general strike to protest proposed legislation that would change how the minimum living wage is calculated and modify collective agreements.

The strike, involving 32 unions, began the previous day in front of the Republican Parliament building.

Union representatives stated that the strike was organized to combat growing poverty and resist attempts to introduce laws aimed at reducing the wages of retirees and salaried workers, thereby lowering their purchasing power.

The unions have strongly criticized the proposed legislation and accompanying decree, which they say would undermine the right to collective agreements, describing it as "a blow to organized labor." They are demanding the cancellation of the proposed measures related to cost-of-living adjustments.

Despite yesterday’s protest yielding no results, organizers have confirmed that the demonstrations will continue today.

In a joint statement, union leaders emphasized that the general strike will persist until the legal regulations concerning the cost of living are repealed. They also vowed to continue striking, even if the government enacts legislation to ban the protests.