Petroleum workers' union begins indefinite strike at Kalecik fuel facility

The Turkish Cypriot Petroleum Workers' Union began an indefinite strike at the Kalecik filling facilities of Kıbrıs Türk Petrolleri this morning. The strike followed the employer's failure to withdraw dismissal notices for nine staff members. During the strike, no fuel will be supplied to K-Pet dealers.

Semih Kolozali, president of the Revolutionary Workers' Trade Unions Federation (Dev-İş), to which the union is affiliated, spoke in front of the facility. He said the employer kept an uncompromising stance and that the board decision behind the dismissals was irregular. Kolozali said Minister of Economy and Energy Hasan Taçoy had stated he had not received such a decision.

Kolozali said the facility requires 71 staff under its regulations but currently has 34, including managers. Dismissing nine would bring the number below 25. He added that the union is open to talks based on figures, data and laws.