Unions continue to ban overtime work after the government decision to cut down on overtime payments in the public sector for the next four months. This is one of the measures introduced by the Cabinet in the face of the ever-weakening Turkish Lira.
An act which, according to Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman would save TL 20 million.
In state hospitals, a number of departments were not able to function following the overtime ban by unions and patients were moved to other wards. Meanwhile non-urgent patients have been sent home early, ‘Kibris’ reported.
The trades union representing the aviation sector warned the government that if they could not solve the problems related to that sector, they would take action again and flights to and from Ercan airport would be cancelled.
According to ‘Halkin Sesi’ the government refuses to back down on the issue of overtime pay, even if this means calling for an early election. The prime ministers was quoted as saying that some circles had not grasped the seriousness of the [economic] situation.
The ports have also been affected by the overtime ban by unions. Many vessels were obliged to remain outside the ports, while other container ships could not pass custom controls. The same applied to those entering the country without facing any border controls.
Turkish Cypriot daily ‘Detay’ writes that the Trade Union Platform has organised a protest on 6 September in Nicosia in reaction to the economic measures taken by the coalition government. The Union Platform said that it had its own suggestions to present regarding the economic crisis.
This morning, ‘Kibris’ reports that the unions will meet with Transport Minister Tolga Atakan at 12.00 today and then with Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman. Trade union representatives are expecting a positive outcome from today’s talks.
Before the critical meeting expected today, Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman paid a visit to Nicosia State Hospital and saw the problems caused by the overtime ban and spoke with hospital authorities.
Kibris, Halkin Sesi, Detay, LGC News
