Indefinite strike in Northern Cyprus cooperatives: workers demand timely payment of wages

The Koop-Sen trade union has announced the start of an indefinite strike in several key cooperatives in Northern Cyprus. Major entities such as Koop-Süt, Zirai Levazım, and Binboğa Yem are at the center of the conflict. Workers in these cooperatives have expressed strong dissatisfaction with delays in salary payments and other violations of labor rights.

According to the union, the payment issue has been ongoing for quite some time, yet the cooperative management has taken no concrete steps to resolve it. As a result, employees have decided to take more radical measures—launching an indefinite strike starting on 12 August 2025. This form of protest aims to ensure timely payment of wages and guarantee respectful treatment of workers in the future.

In addition to announcing the strike, Koop-Sen plans to hold a press conference on the first day of the protest—12 August at 09:30 near the main office of the Cooperative Bank. Representatives of the workers intend to publicly present their demands and explain the reasons behind such a serious step.

Cooperative workers emphasize that wage delays significantly worsen their financial situation and create serious difficulties in daily life. They call on management for dialogue and hope the strike will serve as an incentive for a constructive resolution of the conflict.

This strike has already drawn the attention of the public and the media. Experts note that prolonged suspension of operations in such important cooperatives could impact the market for agricultural products and animal feed, as well as the economic situation in the region as a whole. At the same time, many support the workers’ demands, believing that timely wage payments and respect for employee rights are the foundation of stability and development.

The situation continues to develop, with all interested parties awaiting prompt negotiations and compromise to restore the normal functioning of the cooperatives and protect the interests of their employees.