More than 30 Public Sector Trade Unions, which had been staging a general strike and protest against a draft law on collective agreements and the cost-of-living adjustments, have decided to suspend their actions after discussions with the Finance Minister Özdemir Berova outside the Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Türk-Sen President Arslan Bıçaklı announced that the draft law on collective agreements has been withdrawn. Additionally, the cost-of-living adjustment draft law will be reviewed by a committee after discussions with the unions in January.

Bıçaklı stressed that while the unions have accepted these resolutions for now, they remain resolute.

He warned that if promises are not kept or contrary actions are taken, the unions would immediately initiate an indefinite strike and “enter Parliament with ten thousand people.”

Highlighting their intent, Bıçaklı clarified that the unions’ aim is not to cause difficulties for the public but to stand firmly against those who act against the interests of the people.

Public sector employees on Friday had gathered outside parliament with black umbrellas in their second day of strikes, protesting the amendments put forward to regulate the cost-of-living and collective agreements.

The workers, members of 32 trade unions covering the civil service, are against amendments to laws on collective bargain, the right to receive living expenses and strikes and referenda.