Nicosia, Cyprus. Trade union Peo on Friday backed striking workers at Ektam, the north’s producer of Pepsi and other soft drinks, as the strike entered its fourth week. Peo officials visited the picket line outside the factory.
Peo visit and statement
Peo secretary-general Sotiroula Charalambous said after her visit that “the fight at Ektam does not only concern specific workers, but touches the entire working class, as it is related to fundamental trade union rights and the protection of human dignity at work”.
Start of strike and company response
Workers initially downed tools on February 6, claiming the company had attempted to deprive them of their right to unionise. The company then threatened to fire 39 workers in response.
Union affiliation claim
The workers attempted to join a union affiliated with Dev-Is. A spokesperson for that union previously told the Cyprus Mail that the company had been “ignoring the laws” relating to organised labour in the north.
Alleged threats and resignation letters
The spokesperson said the company’s management had “threatened everyone and attempted to force them to sign resignation letters”. The workers refused, and the spokesperson said management later threatened to close the factory and lay off all workers.
Attempted meeting with authorities and companies
Turkish Cypriot authorities later attempted to convene a meeting between the striking workers, representatives of Ektam, and representatives of PepsiCo’s Turkish subsidiary.
Meeting refusal and conditions
Representatives of PepsiCo and Ektam refused to enter the meeting. The Cyprus Mail was informed at the time that the representatives of the two companies wished to meet directly with the striking workers with no trade union presence.
What do you think should happen next to resolve the dispute between Ektam and the striking workers?
