Former Taliban Commander in Paktia Admits: ‘We Would Have Killed Journalists, But They Escaped
September 9, 2025
September 09, 2025 – Cyprus –
The Union of Cyprus Journalists (ESK) has formally joined the impending three-hour general strike set for Thursday, as part of a nationwide protest against attempts to alter the Cost-of-Living Allowance (CoLA). The union calls this participation a “crucial and essential mobilisation,” urging both members and non-members to refrain from all journalistic work—except for reporting on the strike itself. The move aims to underscore the essential role of CoLA in preserving wage purchasing power amid rising inflation.
In solidarity with other major unions—SEK, PEO, PASYDY, and DEOK—ESK advocates for a full return to 100% CoLA and its extension to all workers, asserting that this is increasingly vital “in the face of ever-increasing uncertainty and inflationary pressures.” Journalists are directed to limit their coverage during the stoppage to strike reporting and to actively participate in public rallies on Thursday. The union also issued a stern warning against efforts to “modify or undermine” CoLA under the guise of modernisation, emphasizing that any such attempts would be met with staunch resistance from the trade union movement.
The general strike follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations earlier this week. During Monday’s key ministerial meeting, Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou called for a fair, permanent, and universal CoLA framework. He outlined plans to expand CoLA coverage, particularly benefiting low-wage earners, while including safeguards against inflationary pressures. He assured that any final settlement would be backed by legislative regulations.
Despite these proposals, talks remained deadlocked. The unions criticized employers for rejecting the idea of universal CoLA and accused them of attempting to dismantle its core philosophy. Consequently, the strike remains scheduled for Thursday, signaling escalating tensions in Cyprus’s labor relations amid economic uncertainty.
Reference –
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/09/09/journalists-union-joins-general-strike-over-cola
