North Cyprus unions protest cost-of-living

Five unions in the public sector issued a press statement outside the Prime Ministry regarding changes to the cost-of-living allowance calculation method and the Financial Protocol. 

The unions—KTAMS, KAMUSEN, KAMU-İŞ, KTÖS, and KTOEÖS—presented their demands and reiterated a call for a meeting.

At the demonstration, KTÖS Secretary General Burak Maviş expressed concern over the rising cost of living, stating, “Our concern is to make ends meet.” He highlighted the declining purchasing power of wage earners and a budget deficit of 17 billion.

Joint Statement

KTAMS President Güven Bengihan delivered the unions’ joint statement, which criticised the government for failing to protect citizens from inflation and implementing “anti-labour policies.” The unions condemned the reduction in the cost-of-living allowance and the government’s neglect of protocol meetings mandated by law.

The statement demanded immediate amendments to the Income Tax Law to adjust tax brackets and exemptions in line with inflation, and called for legal changes to ensure fair pay and address inequalities affecting maternity leave and promotions under the “immigration law.”

The unions warned of mass strikes and action if their demands were ignored.