Unpaid Wages Spark Ongoing Strike at Famagusta and Kyrenia Ports

In an interview with a TAK correspondent, Liman-Sen President Ajdan Bilgiç confirmed that the payments have not been made yet, and the terms of the collective agreement have not been fulfilled.

Bilgiç noted that the Council of Ministers has made a decision for a minimal payment, which covers the workers' five-day work. He emphasized that approximately 7 million TL is required to settle the dues.

Stating that there are 170 workers at the port, Bilgiç pointed out that no payments have been made for more than a month, and some workers have had their electricity cut off. He also mentioned the confusion of authority between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Labour at the port.

The strike is being carried out simultaneously at both the Famagusta and Kyrenia ports. Bilgiç underscored the significance of Famagusta Port, calling it "the heart of the island," and added, "The heart is stopping; it needs resuscitation. Many ships are waiting, and shipowners are protesting. Our goal is not to cause harm, but we have reached a breaking point."

Bilgiç stated that the government has not yet contacted them, urging authorities to recognize that there is a union in place, a collective agreement, and 170 families involved. He warned, "If this continues, the port will suffer a heart attack. Immediate attention is needed."