Ektam workers in Northern Cyprus launch indefinite strike over union rights

Workers at Ektam, the producer of Pepsi products in Northern Cyprus, announced that their strike became indefinite on Friday following a dispute over unionization rights. The industrial action began the previous week after employees attempted to join the Emek-Is union, which is affiliated with Dev-Is. Management from Ektam and PepsiCo’s Turkish subsidiary reportedly responded by threatening to dismiss 39 workers and allegedly pressuring staff to sign resignation letters. On Thursday, company representatives refused to attend a mediation meeting convened by the local authorities because union representatives were present. The employers stated they would only negotiate directly with workers without union involvement. In response, several trade unions, including Ktams and El-Sen, have called for a public boycott of Pepsi and other Ektam products. The World Federation of Trade Unions has expressed full solidarity with the strikers. While unions claim the company is violating labor laws, management has reportedly threatened to close the factory entirely.