Unions Say Cost of Living Bill to Return to Committee

The decision was taken during the government’s group meeting and later conveyed to union representatives. For the bill to be officially withdrawn and returned to committee, the General Assembly of the Republic’s Assembly is expected to convene in the coming days.

Union representatives said the outcome marked an important step and confirmed that the process would continue through negotiations between all sides.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Türk-Sen President Arslan Bıçaklı said the government had completed its internal group meeting and union leaders were subsequently invited for consultations.

Bıçaklı stated that the agreed step was to reopen the General Assembly, withdraw the controversial bill from the agenda and send it back to committee, where it would be revised through mutual consensus rather than being pushed through directly in parliament.

He emphasized that the unions’ demands had been met at this stage and described the development as significant, while also warning that they remained ready for further action if necessary.

Bıçaklı noted that it was still unclear whether negotiations on the issue would continue until June, adding that future cost of living figures and inflation rates would play a decisive role in shaping the final arrangement.

He stressed that the cost of living mechanism should not be viewed simply as a salary increase, but rather as a system designed to reflect how much living expenses have risen and to protect the public’s purchasing power.

He also thanked the public and workers who supported the unions throughout the protests and demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Public Works and Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı had previously told Kıbrıs Postası that the government had sufficient parliamentary numbers to pass the legislation under any circumstances, saying the bill was necessary within the framework of salary payments. However, he also stated that efforts to reach a broader consensus were continuing.