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2026-10-08 12:35 UTC → 2026-10-09 16:44 UTC ·
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KIB-TEK workplace safety strike triggers solidarity actions and labor dispute bribery probe
Workplace safety concerns at The strike by the Cyprus Turkish Electricity Authority (KIB-TEK) escalated following a transformer explosion on October 1 that left a worker in intensive care. The Cyprus Occupational Health and Safety Experts Union (İSG-BİR) argued that such incidents could be prevented with better equipment and increased inspections. In response to the accident and other grievances, the KIB-TEK Employees' Union (El-Sen) launched a general strike. Union leaders cited unresolved occupational health and safety issues, lack of financial transparency, and problems with collective bargaining. The strike, which entered its second day by October 5, also drew support fifth day, triggering solidarity actions from the other public sector unions. The Federation of Cyprus Turkish Animal Breeders and Producers Union, who criticized current management and warned against Trade Unions (TÜRKSEN) announced that several organizations, including the potential privatization of public institutions. On October 7, Municipal Workers' Union (BES), will launch phased strikes starting Monday to support El-Sen. El-Sen General Secretary Hüseyin Peksever announced continues to demand improved occupational health and safety, transparent promotion processes, and regular recruitment, maintaining its refusal to accept a new strike action. While the Council of Ministers had recently decided Cabinet decision to postpone the previous strike for 60 days, the union characterized this as a fresh decision necessitated by the failure to implement safety protocols. Peksever emphasized that days. As the labor dispute extends beyond the provision of protective clothing, stating that the union is demanding intensifies, new legal and disciplinary issues have emerged. KIB-TEK management take formal responsibility by signing occupational risk analysis reports. By October 7, the strike entered its fourth day. El-Sen President Ahmet Tuğcu stated the union would continue its action regardless of a 60-day suspension order issued by the Cabinet. The reported suspicions that certain union is demanding written commitments regarding occupational health and safety, merit-based hiring and promotions, members damaged institutional lines, prompting police investigations and the removal potential disciplinary measures. Additionally, police are investigating allegations of a branch manager. The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (KTTB) has expressed support for the strikers, noting that recent accidents at the Teknecik and Kalecik power plants highlight $200,000 bribe involving KIB-TEK officials related to a scrap metal tender, following reports of irregularities in the need for stricter inspections and regular health screenings. bidding process.