General Strike of 32 Unions Held Today in Northern Cyprus

Today, 32 unions in Northern Cyprus organized a general strike to protest against legislative changes related to collective agreements and the rising cost of living. The demonstration began at 10:30 a.m. outside the parliament building.

In a joint statement, the unions announced that the strike would continue until the legislation addressing the cost-of-living adjustment is repealed. They also emphasized that the protests will persist, even if the government introduces laws to ban strikes.

The unions explained that they initiated the strike to combat systematic attacks on workers' rights, the increasing impoverishment of the population, and attempts to amend laws aimed at reducing wages for retirees and salaried employees while eroding their purchasing power.

They criticized the proposed bill and decree, which would undermine the right to collective agreements, describing them as a "blow to organized labor." The unions are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed measures concerning cost-of-living adjustments.