Industrial action next week

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
14/01/2011 23:00

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/wave-industrial-action-north/20110113?



Is this a sign of the Turkish Cypriots waking up to reality.

Standing up for their rights to exist as a free people?



or



That the Turkish Cypriots are on the road to becoming an irrelevance in their own land, swamped by a wave of Anatolian settlers.



or



Having to abide by the rules and economic strategies of Turkey to bring wages and living standards in line with Turkey's?



Is the industrial action necessary or will it be viewed as" biting the hand that feeds them"?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
14/01/2011 23:27

>>>" biting the hand that feeds them"? <<<





Does anyone remember Mel Gibson's last WORD in a film called Breaveheart?





Perhaps,it is the rest of the world that needs to wake up to reality!

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
14/01/2011 23:54

Economy - overview: The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly half the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size. Agriculture and services, together, employ more than half of the work force. The Turkish Cypriot economy grew around 10.6% in 2006, fueled by growth in the construction and education sectors, as well as increased employment of Turkish Cypriots in the area under government control. GDP declined about 2.0% in 2007. The Turkish Cypriots are heavily dependent on transfers from the Turkish Government. Ankara directly finances about one-third of the "TRNC's" budget. Aid from Turkey has exceeded $400 million annually in recent years. The Turkish Cypriot economy experienced a sharp slowdown in 2008-09 due to the global financial crisis and, because of its reliance on British and Turkish tourism which has declined due to the recession.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
14/01/2011 23:57

Turkish Cypriot finances also deteriorated in 2009 as decreased state revenues and increased government expenditures on public sector salaries and social services led to a large budget deficit.



Does this not support the hand that feeds debate?



http://www.eubusiness.com/europe/cyprus/econ/?searchterm=None

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:06

It is a workers right to strike if their wages are cut, pure and simple. Any other discussion is waste of time. Turkey has been and will be paying a percentage of the civil service costs because they are guilty of putting us where we are as a nation.

Until the embargo is removed by the RoC and for some time later, Turkey shall continue to pay. They have no alternative, the deep state will make sure of that.

So cut the nonsense and support the strike for workers rights.

Workers striking without being attacked by the police is a sign of maturing nationhood. Unlike in London where the uncivilszed Met Police practice Kettleing of thousands of innocent protesters for up to 10 hours. When the commissioner was questioned about this, he actually laughed live on TV.

Well I notice the Molotov cocktail being thrown in the last demonstration. Let us see how low this country can get in defending human rights.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:15

Bradus;





"Does this not support the hand that feeds debate? "



Nothing does and nothing will, all the while we/Turkish Cypriots remain 'accupied'.



http://antiwar.com/paul/?articleid=4737

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:19

YFred stated that , "Turkey is guilty of putting us where we are as a nation"



It would appear that one moment they are your saviours and the next they are guilty for the present situation!

How long can (and will) they pay? Why is it unacceptable for salaries and perks to be in line with those of the Turkish people. Why do the Cypriots feel they should have more? What bearing will this have on Cypriots being paid more and having a better quality of life than the mainland Turks?

It is a workers right to strike and I don;t dispute this. My questions are more about the effects of this action.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:23

As a matter of interest, what do you think would happen if Turkey withdrew money and peoples and the TRNC was left with control of its own destination?

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:31

Bradus, I don't blame Turkey completely, read my post more carefully. What I find difficult to understand is how much obstacles Turkey puts in front of TCs for exporting to Turkey.

Secondly they will support the TCs till they can support themselves and the TCs I suspect will be able to support themselves about 5 years after the Embargo is removed.

Their contribution is not as great as everybody pretends. It is a percentage of the civil service cost, the population at large supports itself.

Dixie Normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:35

A reality check, are we with those that feed the nation and play the tune that the lame & lazy dance too, or are we a people that can stand on our own two feet. I would like to see the TC come out of this with a head held high and the ability to be the guide of their own destiny, however the fact that the north has lived from the begging bowl for well over a generation gives me little hope, a culture and a proud people destined to serve the master of mass population that wiil eventually make them an extinct species.



D.N

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:37

Bradus, I don't think you get this situation at all. You may well ask me how long it would take me to walk to the moon. Cannot be done. Turkey cannot withdraw from the predicament they put themselves. In any case she is being compensated by USA for all her efforts anyway.

In actual fact I actually wish she could do that. I suspect Old Dimtri will walk across the green line with a truck load of currency to entice the TCs back to RoC. I can feel a song coming on.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3WDCHF1vDE



Enjoy.

Dixie Normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:37

A reality check, are we with those that feed the nation and play the tune that the lame & lazy dance too, or are we a people that can stand on our own two feet. I would like to see the TC come out of this with a head held high and the ability to be the guide of their own destiny, however the fact that the north has lived from the begging bowl for well over a generation gives me little hope, a culture and a proud people destined to serve the master of mass population that wiil eventually make them an extinct species.



D.N

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:42

By the way this are the songs they will be singing while they are protesting.



http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/53778.asp#reply



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTrY8GcE73w

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:51

Come on Yfred.



One third of the budget financed by Turkey?



The population at large supports itself? Yes by making unnecessary posts within the government sector! This is a

luxury that just cannot continue. Exactly how will this help the economic situation and support the TC's to become self sufficient? It simply re-enforces independence.



Whats needed is more business from within, a solid plan to attract tourist and a resurrection of the construction and leisure industry. What efforts are being made to promote these?



The TC's are stuck between the TRNC Government who appear to encourage the present situation and the Turkish government who are slowly but surely being allowed to take full control. The TC is simply the minority and she has less and less say in her destination.



When do you anticipate the embargo ending?

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:52

Cocked the first one up. this is the song.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JQQG-X0yI4

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 00:55

The whole thing depends on Direct flights. Talat was promised by the end of 2010. I expect something to happen end January meeting. If nothing, perhaps the TCs need to look at alternative methods of influencing the RoC Government.

They should all move down south of the border and register unemployed as well as claim their land. In six months we shall have the embargo removed.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:15

YFred,



I would love to see a vibrant, flourishing, TRNC that offers a good standard of living to all its residents. But in order to achieve this you can't sit back and wait for direct flights and an end to the embargo. I was being told that direct flights and reunification would happen, when I bought in 2005! With no movement at the talks I suspect that Cyprus will remain in its present limbo for another decade.



As for claiming land, with the amount of exchange land sold in the North, exactly how much land in the South is left belonging to TC's? Those that did not exchange for TC land however should definitely claim their land. I wonder how much money earned stays in Britain (I have always been amazed at the number of developers that demand payments are made to London banks) or is immediately transferred to Turkey?



TRNC needs to take action now.

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:32

It does not matter how much land has been esdegered as it were. The RoC does not recognize the activities of TRNC. She will have no choice but give back all the land that belongs to the TCs. Even the TC who never lived in the south can move down south and claim Refugee status with all the financial benefits afforded to the GCs.

What needs to happen is what happened just before they opened the crossings. 60000 people in front to of the palace. Unfortunately so long Turkey pays, then things will go on till the EU plucks up the courage and removes the embargo. Direct flights are very important to the TRNC economy. Average tourist will not fly to TRNC for 8 hours when they can fly to Larnaca for 4 and the GCs know this.

The investment will come from Turkey. Tourism and Casinos is sufficient, so long as they can collect the tax.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 01:52

Not if they have exchanged property in the South for property in the North. I believe "double dipping" is a crime on both sides of the island? Prosecution has already occurred.



"Investment will come from Turkey"



Exactly my point!

Hippo


Joined: 02/02/2007
Posts: 2070

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 07:11

How about a decent days pay for a decent days work!!!

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 15:48

Spot on Hipp. Money should be worked for, not given to the few chosen ones!

CYPRUS TODAY;

Government Facing Chaos - The cash strapped National Unity Party (UBP) government is facing dark days ahead after unions stepped up their fight against its controversial austerity measures. Indefinite strike action is gaining pace with more industrial action threatened unless the government rethinks its economic plan and backs down on VAT hikes and reductions in tariffs on imports. UBP General Secretary revealed that the government was coming to a stage when it might not be able to pay state sector wages, as happened in 1994-1995. Worse came on Thursday with a landmark judgment against the austerity measures when the Constitutional Court ruled a tax on pensions was illegal and should be scrapped. It was a violation of the TRNC constitution. The Finance Minister warned such a judgment would have serious consequences and “create political problems” with Ankara.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 15:50

Revealing the government still did not have the money to pay last year’s “13th wage” bonus to civil servants or pensioners, nor the cash to pay January’s salaries, he said “Turkey has said how much aid she will give. She will not want to change this”. The government is 300,000TL short to pay wages and pensions this month. A mass rally is being planned against the austerity measures on Friday January 28th.



We cannot continue to borrow, says Tatar – The budget problems facing the government were spelled out by Finance Minister Ersin Tatar this week. But it has not stopped plans to build a new tax office building at a cost of 7 million TL. Mr Tatar said borrowing money was not the answer to paying wages. He admitted that the Turkish contribution for the current budget had been reduced but declined to say why.

honestie


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 468

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 16:18

badus I agree money should be paid for the work but turkish workers dont get that and before the argument is they should all go back, there are a lot of jobs the turkish cyps will not do for the hours and payment. I do not want to get into a political argument about turkish cypriot rights british rights and turkish. If you work you should be paid as said a decent pay for a decent day or usually a day and a halfs workas the case is in for a lot of the turkish workers

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 16:37

message 16: the issue of 'direct flights' - by which you mean non stop flights I imagine is an old chestnut. It has been used for years as an excuse for an inefficient airline (CTA) and an ailing and disorganised government here. People from northern Europe travel on holiday all over the world so a 45 minute stopover in Turkey is hardly likely to put them off coming here. In addition, I have always used either CTA or Turkish Airlines over many years as they have almost always been either the same price or cheaper than flying to Heathrow from Larnaca. This island would be very much more likely to attract more holidaymakers if they cleaned up their act. Turn some of the under employed and overpaid civil servants out of their cosy offices and give them some cleaning equipment. All the holidaymakers that I have been in contact with of recent years have all commented on the filthy state of the place. This has nothing to do with embargoes only willingness to act!

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 16:54

But it is not just about what is happening in Cyprus. Turkish citizens whose taxes mostly fund the present system are becoming increasingly frustrated with their Government for pursuing this 2 tier system. (just like the attitude to the Bankers in Britain) It appears that the Turkish Government are beginning to say enough is enough, Turkish citizens do not get the perks that Turkish Cypriots do so the sensible thing to do is introduce a fairer system and bring things in line.



The austerity measures are the start of this process. Turkish contributions have reduced and like it or not there will be consequences.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 17:23

Bradus;

" It appears that the Turkish Government are beginning to say enough is enough"



Don't you think your above comment goes both ways?



"Turkish citizens whose taxes mostly fund the present system are becoming increasingly frustrated with their Government for pursuing this 2 tier system."



Do you know,at least half of Turkish citizens in TRNC are working/residing illegaly?I personaly blame TC rich club for encouraging it.



but,above all,as someone that has been brought and support UBP,for the first time I am %100 behind their courage where again for the first time they are putting TRNCs general gain as piorty.Consequently there will be consequences.

As you said,enough is enough.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 18:58

Yorgozlu.....msg 26



"I am %100 behind their courage where again for the first time they are putting TRNCs general gain as piorty"



There is nothing wrong with courageous leadership....we could do with more of it in the UK.....but if the UBP put TC's first by allowing the wholesale corruption and manipulation of the property market,and by denying basic human and legal rights to foreigners who have done nothing wrong, then this is not courageous, it is cowardly and shameful.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 23:31

correction re-26



"Consequently there will be consequences. "



Subsequently there will be consequences.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 23:42

cronos;

UBP has been in power since last year and was not in power when foreigners started the gold rush back in 2004.

Not that it makes any difference to your situation.



As for being 'cowardly and shameful',I'll accept that providing you eccept it for being same both ways..........ie.foreigners buying properties built on land that belongs to someone else in the eyes of international laws.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 23:52

Nobody forced any TC to sell the land they were given in recompense for land they lost.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
15/01/2011 23:58

Surely the land was "illegally" sold by the TRNC Yorgozlu? Who would you say commits the worst crime the thief that steals and then sells the stolen car or the buyer?



Cronos, bought Pre 74 Turkish Title (so called 100% Internationally recognised ) but the TRNC do not sell their own legal property they prefer to sell (in your own words) land belonging to someone else.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 00:01

Quarmby;



I agree,just like nobody forced foreigners to buy.Then again,would that not be going round the circles?

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 00:08

Unfortunately the TRNC governments could have forced their citizens not to sell the land or was it the said governments that said it was safe land. The TRNC government is ulimately responsible for the present situation, they held the whip hand.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 00:14

Bradus;

The deeds issued in TRNC by TRNC government are legal in TRNC.However,if and when or ever solution is found for Cyprus your problem wouldn't be with TRNC but with rest of the world.....ie.RoC.



>> Who would you say commits the worst crime the thief that steals and then sells the stolen car or the buyer?<<



Both parts would and should be punished with the buyer getting havier punishment for encouraging.

At least thats how it is in UK.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 00:22

Did you buy exchange land Yorgozlu?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 00:33

Yes thank you Bradus.But I'm not a foreigner in Cyprus..........or am I?

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 00:35

So you too bought the property of a displaced GC?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 07:45

No,I bought a property from a displaced TC........whose compansation would more then cover it,never mind my own compensation!Whats your(not personal) reason?I bet you weren't made a refugee in 1963 or 1974?

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 09:38

Bradus! Talking about how much Turkey spends to support TRNC economy - your argument is lacking a vital ingredients!

How much extra money do you think Turkey would have to spend on air and sea defences, if Cyprus were to become a Greek dominated island? Lets see now, an area around 4 times as big as the whole Agean, where there are constant naval and air problems between the two. As things are, the whole of almost 100 km of sea and air space South of Turkey is practically Turkish territory where Turkish mılıtary can do as they please.

Just have a look at the map of the area before you even THINK the TCs are overpaid etc.

The extra cost of fuel and possible equipment in terms of patrolling and defending the said area would cost many times over what ever is currently spent on our economy...

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 12:04

Big0z.....msg 39



What has the cost of Turkey's military campaign and its defence of North Cyprus have to do with the argument about whether TC's....particularly those in government departments/civil service jobs....are overpaid ?



They are higher paid, work less hours, have more holidays, and receive better benefits and pension provision than mainland Turks in similar positions.This is unfair and unsustainable.

me-style


Joined: 03/08/2010
Posts: 150

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 13:16

Turkish lira and direct flights, I do not see any link to this issue at all. Turkish lira is pretty stable currency and have been less sensitive to the economical turmoil then as example GBP.



Direct flights is not an issue to be able to make a business in Northern Cyprus this is more liked to spoiled Brits that think they can have a easy transport to Northern Cyprus. To have a growing business life will demand other things like KKTC get recognized internationally. This is what will allow exports and international trade.

Troodo


Joined: 12/06/2008
Posts: 1002

Message Posted:
16/01/2011 13:47

Over inflated wages, compared with the private sector, retirement at 30, thirteenth wage, over staffing, thirty-nine hour week - you have to be joking.

Because of this reticules situation prices are rocketing, I am surprised that the private sector workers are not standing on the footpath throwing eggs at these selfish greedy people.