Union Involvement in Butchers' Strike on Northern Cyprus

Protests by livestock breeders against meat imports persist in Northern Cyprus. Recently, unions representing TRNC civil servants joined the strike outside the Prime Minister's residence.

Today, the Union of Animal Producers and Breeders continues its protest initiated due to "rising production costs resulting from the government's meat import policy and pricing of raw milk and livestock."

After unsuccessful negotiations to reach a compromise, animal producers and some unions announced they would hold a demonstration in front of the Prime Minister's building today at 11:00.

Joining the striking butchers today are the Cyprus Turkish Public Workers' Union (KTAMS) and the Union of Civil Servants (Kamu-İş). Both unions have also declared a full-day strike in solidarity with livestock breeders.

In particular, the president of the Cyprus Turkish Civil Servants' Union, Gyuven Bengihan, announced that the general strike would commence at 09:30 at the union headquarters. Then, the procession of strikers will head towards the Prime Minister's building.

The Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS) also announced its support for today's general strike with local protests.

KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş stated that they would support producers with local strikes in Nicosia — at Dr. Suat Günsel Elementary School, Necati Taşkın Elementary School, Şht. Doğan Ahmet Primary School, Gelibolu Primary School, and Fazıl Plümer Kindergarten from 11:20 to 12:40.

It is worth noting that teachers in non-striking schools will nevertheless participate in the action, which will continue throughout the day after classes.

Members of other TRNC unions have also expressed their support for the strikers.

Read also: Where to Find Butcher Shops in Northern Cyprus?