Nicosia, Cyprus. Representatives of PepsiCo’s Turkish subsidiary and its licensed producer in the north, Ektam, refused to enter a meeting with Turkish Cypriot authorities on Thursday as Ektam workers continued a strike that began last week.
Meeting refusal and union presence
A spokesperson for Turkish Cypriot trade union Dev-Is said the north’s “labour minister” Oguzhan Hasipoglu attempted to convene a meeting involving representatives of PepsiCo and Ektam as well as trade unions. The spokesperson said both PepsiCo and Ektam would not meet with trade union representatives and instead wanted to meet directly with the striking workers without union presence.
Strike and allegations over unionisation
Workers downed tools on Friday last week, saying the company attempted to deprive them of their right to unionise. The company then threatened to fire 39 workers in response.
The workers had attempted to join a union affiliated with Dev-Is, whose spokesperson previously said the company had been “ignoring the laws” relating to organised labour in the north. The spokesperson said management “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.
Boycotts announced by trade unions
Multiple trade unions, including Ktams, El-Sen, the north’s electricity workers’ trade union, and teachers’ trade union Ktos, announced boycotts of Pepsi until a resolution is reached.
“Dismissing workers during a time of economic hardship is unethical. This practice directly affects not only the workers, but also their family … We publicly declare that we are boycotting Pepsi and all related products,” El-Sen said on Tuesday.
Hasipoglu comments on unionisation and sackings
On Monday night, Hasipoglu said “there is no reason why unionisation is impossible in the private sector” and that the Turkish Cypriot authorities “will investigate any attempts at mass sackings”.
What outcome do you expect from the dispute between Ektam workers and the company over union representation?