In a recent article, we showcased how after years of negotiating and lukewarm general strikes, our social partners (state, employers, unions) in the south reached an agreement on the Cost of Living Adjustment (CoLA); a much-delayed compromise that leaves much to be desired, in an effort to restore a right that should have never been taken away in the first place. The reason of this historic failure? The model of unionism that causes an inability to truly organise and mobilise workers, and those within the “union movement” who insist on defending and reproducing said model.
Fast forward a couple of months ago, and the trade unions in the north (an area with a relatively low rate of union coverage) have organised nothing less than a revolt against their government to defend the CoLA, storming the House of Parliament in numerous occasions. Regardless of the result of these mobilisations, which is is yet to be determined, one truth is without a doubt: there is a militant and assertive labour movement in the north which is not placated with symbolic protests nor satisfied with mere complaining; and the role of the trade unions in forming and organising such a movement is more than obvious.
If you want to learn more about what is going on in the north, the ties with the similar events in 2001, how trade unions (when free from ties to political parties) can and were able to take up this role as a vehicle of true economic and political change (the solution of the Cyprus Problem included), then this article by Bulut Unvan is a must-read!
