ETUCE Expresses Strong Solidarity with Trade Unions in Northern Cyprus
Published:
The European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) firmly stands in solidarity with the 32 trade unions in the northern part of Cyprus, including the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Trade Union (KTÖS), as they confront the government's latest attempts to undermine workers' rights and economic stability.
On December 26, these unions organized a general strike and rally in response to proposed changes to the 'Collective Labor Agreement, Strike and Referendum Law' and the 'Right to Receive Cost of Living Adjustment Law.' These legislative changes threaten to weaken the right to collective bargaining, reduce real-term salaries, and erode the purchasing power of retired and salaried employees.
KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş emphasized that these reforms would have a devastating impact on workers, stripping away essential rights and making it increasingly difficult for employees to maintain a decent standard of living. The unions have vowed to continue their strike action until the proposed laws are withdrawn, expressing their readiness to resist any bans on strikes and to pursue legal action through the Constitutional Court.
ETUCE commends the determination and unity demonstrated by KTÖS and other unions in defending workers' rights and promoting dignified working conditions. These actions highlight the critical need for governments to engage in meaningful social dialogue and uphold democratic values in labor relations.
We call on the authorities in northern Cyprus to immediately withdraw the proposed legislation and engage constructively with trade unions to address workers' concerns. ETUCE remains committed to supporting our members in their fight for fair treatment, social justice, and respect for fundamental labor rights.
The struggles faced by teachers and workers in Cyprus reflect broader challenges in ensuring decent working conditions and preserving democratic processes across Europe. ETUCE will continue to advocate for policies that protect and empower the teaching profession and all workers in the education sector.