The strike called by employees of the north’s Koop Bank and its subsidiaries came to a close last Friday as a significant agreement was reached concerning planned austerity measures. This resolution emerged after intense negotiations between the workers and the ruling coalition.
- “We intend to sign the new agreement within a week at the latest,” he added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Workers had previously voiced their concerns over an eight-item list of proposed austerity measures that included drastic cuts affecting pensions, salaries, and bonuses. Among the contentious proposals were the suspension of work for retirees, the abolition of the 13th salary, and a halving of Eid bonuses. The potential impact of these measures stirred considerable unrest, leading to the strike.
On Friday, Durali Guclusoy, the undersecretary to ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel, announced that he and Ustel would engage with union leaders to finalise a new collective labour agreement. This agreement is set to establish the operational framework for Koop Bank’s subsidiaries moving forward.
Guclusoy remarked, “The suspension of retirees’ work and the deductions that were previously on the agenda have been suspended until a new agreement is signed.” This statement marked a pivotal moment in the negotiations, suggesting a willingness to reconsider the proposed austerity measures.
Mehmetali Guroz, the leader of the trade union Koop-Sen, expressed optimism about the upcoming negotiations. He stated that talks would commence on Monday with the aim of drafting a protocol that balances the financial needs of the workers and the institution. Guroz affirmed that employees would not concede on previously signed and ongoing agreements, indicating a firm stance on their rights.
“We intend to sign the new agreement within a week at the latest,” he added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Earlier that day, Guclusoy was seen in a heated discussion with striking workers outside Ustel’s office, which drew media attention. His interaction with journalists further escalated the situation when he attempted to confiscate a reporter’s phone while stating, “don’t film now, son, what is there for you to film? There is nothing to film.”
This incident triggered a response from the Cyprus Turkish journalists’ union, which underscored the importance of press freedom in democratic societies. They asserted, “In societies where the press is not free, democracy is also in danger,” condemning the actions of public officials who target journalists and impede their ability to report.
The union affirmed, “Every action taking place in a public space is an event that journalists must follow, and this cannot be prevented.” They suggested that if Guclusoy wished to avoid media scrutiny, he should refrain from engaging in public discussions.
