General strike of trade unions announced in Northern Cyprus — gathering in Nicosia on March 30

On Monday, March 30, in Northern Cyprus, the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS) and other trade unions announced a general strike after a bill regarding payments intended to compensate for the rising cost of living was included on the Parliamentary agenda, reported KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş.

Maviş stated that the strike covers "from Lefke to Dipkarpaz" and that all members have been invited to Nicosia to participate in the action. Trade unions are gathering at the Parliament at 09:00; by 09:30, three groups will form rings and intend to "surround" the legislative building, acting in three directions.

According to Maviş, contact was made with the Prime Minister's Office over the weekend with a request not to hold the strike, while the unions' request for a meeting on Sunday went unanswered. The decision to hold negotiations and a possible termination of the action will be made on-site together with representatives and union members.

As a reminder: Finance Minister Özdemir Berova previously announced that a three-month cost-of-living allowance would be paid at the end of April, with no further salary increases planned until January 2027. Maviş emphasized that the strike will continue until the bill is withdrawn and criticized statements by the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce regarding restrictions on holding strikes.