Dialogos

Trade Unions in the Occupied Territories Threaten Strike over ATA

Published March 27, 2026, 20:01
Trade Unions in the Occupied Territories Threaten Strike over ATA

Trade unions in the occupied territories are threatening a general strike if the "bill" for the "cost of living allowance" (ATA) passes as is through the "parliament". The payment of the ATA will be made at the end of April to salaries, pensions and allowances and again in January 2027. The decision was announced by the president of the Turkish Cypriot teachers' union, Selma Eylem, after a meeting with representatives of all unions. The unions warn that they will not recognize a possible strike ban by the "government" and will engage in acts of "civil disobedience". They believe that government policies are leading to the impoverishment of workers and are unacceptable. The dispute focuses on the method and frequency of payment of the allowance, as the unions seek more frequent and adequate payments. At the same time, the Turkish Cypriot teachers' union is reacting to the requirement for a "language proficiency certificate" for the registration of foreign children in schools, calling it illegal. They argue that the "constitution" of the occupied territories guarantees the right to education for all children, regardless of their nationality, and that compulsory education is free until the age of 18. The dispute over the ATA and the language proficiency certificate highlights the social and economic difficulties faced by Turkish Cypriots in the occupied territories. The threat of a strike demonstrates the growing discontent of workers and the need to improve living conditions. The requirement for a language proficiency certificate raises questions about inclusion and equality in education.