Pepsi’s Turkish subsidiary, along with its licensed producer Ektam, has declined to meet with Turkish Cypriot authorities as workers continue their strike, which began last week.
- Pepsi's Turkish subsidiary, along with its licensed producer Ektam, has declined to meet with Turkish Cypriot authorities as workers continue their strike, which began last week.
- Dev-Is reported that management pressured workers to sign resignation letters, which they refused. Subsequently, the company threatened to shut down the factory entirely, putting all jobs at risk.
The strike commenced after workers alleged that the company attempted to undermine their right to unionise. In response, PepsiCo and Ektam have refused to engage with trade union representatives, insisting instead on direct discussions with the striking employees without any union presence.
Pepsi: Labour Disputes Escalate
A spokesperson from the Turkish Cypriot trade union Dev-Is revealed that efforts by the north’s ‘labour minister’, Oguzhan Hasipoglu, to convene a meeting involving company and union representatives were rebuffed. Instead, the company expressed a desire to negotiate directly with the workers.
The workers initiated the strike on Friday, claiming that the management had been ignoring legal obligations regarding organised labour. After attempts to join a union affiliated with Dev-Is, the workers faced backlash from the company, which threatened to dismiss 39 employees.
Threats and Boycotts Follow
Dev-Is reported that management pressured workers to sign resignation letters, which they refused. Subsequently, the company threatened to shut down the factory entirely, putting all jobs at risk.
In solidarity with the striking workers, several trade unions, including Ktams and El-Sen, have announced a boycott of Pepsi products until a resolution is reached. El-Sen condemned the company’s actions during this economic hardship, asserting that dismissing workers affects not only their livelihoods but also their families.
Government Involvement and Future Actions
Hasipoglu commented on the situation, stating there should be no barriers to unionisation in the private sector. He assured that Turkish Cypriot authorities would investigate any claims of mass dismissals and highlighted the need for a conciliatory approach to resolve the dispute.
As the situation develops, the implications for Pepsi and Ektam, a key supplier of popular beverages including 7Up and local soft drinks, remain significant, with ongoing tensions likely to affect consumer trust and company operations in the region.
