Teachers’ Unions Strike Today in Northern Cyprus

On Friday, May 2, teachers across all unionized schools in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are staging a strike in protest against what they say are policies that violate the Constitution and go against the principles and reforms of Atatürk. The strike is part of a broader call to defend secular and science-based education.

The protest is being led by the Cyprus Turkish Teachers’ Union (KTÖS) and the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS). KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş announced that the strike will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Later in the day, at 5:00 p.m., union members will gather at the KTÖS headquarters and march to the protest site.

Maviş emphasized that teachers are fighting for a society built on justice, merit, and quality education. “We are committed to Atatürk’s principles and reforms,” he said. “We will never give up on science-based education, secularism, public service, or social equality.”

KTOEÖS also confirmed that teachers in all secondary schools will be on strike from 7:55 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.

“We will continue our joint and determined struggle against the mentality that disregards the Constitution, the National Education Law, and Atatürk’s principles and reforms—a mentality that pulls our children and society into darkness,” the union said in a statement. “We will not give in to any form of imposition, pressure, or threats.”

The strike comes in response to a controversial regulation recently approved by the TRNC Council of Ministers. The new “Rules and Discipline Regulation” outlines standards of conduct to be followed in and outside secondary schools and educational institutions. It came into force after being published in the Official Gazette and includes provisions on whether female students may wear the hijab.

Originally passed in mid-March, the regulation was later withdrawn for further review following public outcry. The proposal sparked intense debate and was strongly opposed by teachers’ unions. In one reported incident, a girl wearing a headscarf was denied entry to class. Teachers have continued to protest against the disciplinary rules since their introduction.