Unions Warn of General Strike If Bill Reaches Parliament

Speaking at the demonstration, Turkish Cypriot Workers’ Trade Union Federation (Türk-Sen) President Arslan Bıçaklı said unions had not backed down from their demands. He noted that the decree with the force of law had first been withdrawn and that they had now learned the draft bill would be referred to committee.

Bıçaklı stressed that parliament must convene for this step, adding that their demand is for the bill to be formally discussed at the committee stage. He warned that if the legislation is brought directly to the floor instead of being sent to committee, unions will proceed with a general strike. Describing the current situation as serious, he said they are prepared for any scenario and reiterated that a general strike and protests outside parliament would begin the moment the bill is introduced.

Also addressing the crowd, Press Workers’ Union (Basın-Sen) President Ali Kişmir commented on recent incidents targeting media accounts on Facebook.

Kişmir said the press would continue to stand for press freedom, arguing that there is fear over the reporting of alleged corruption. He stated that what is most feared is journalists doing their job and the public accessing that information, adding that journalists will continue to write and express their views without interference.

Emphasizing that journalists will not bow to pressure, Kişmir said they “only bow to kiss the hands of their parents,” and would never submit to authoritarian rule. He further claimed that journalists are currently under attack, arguing that proposed amendments to criminal and cyber laws aim to target both media professionals and the public while restricting freedom of expression.