Representatives of the 26 trade unions and organizations who supported the protest against the government's plans held a joint conference on Thursday.
“The government considers workers responsible for weaknesses in the economy and deficits in the budget and attempts to cut back labor rights as a first response,” Şener Elçil, secretary-general of the Turkish Cypriot Teachers' Trade Union (KTÖS), was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency as he read a written statement on behalf of the 26 trade unions.
Elçil voiced all 26 trade unions' determination for resisting the government's plans, which he said were aimed at weakening trade unions.
“The governments that are supposed to govern us are imposing economic packages drawn up in Ankara for Turkish Cypriots by making the political and economical structure of our country dependant on Turkey,” Elçil said, blaming the newly elected ruling National Unity Party (UBP) for failing to keep promises made during election time.
“We stress that we will continue our protests until we get the needed support against these measures from society,” he said.
