“We are Cypriots; We will not pay Bangladeshi workers $1000, we will act as it suits us”: North Cyprus employers’ union president

Turkish Cypriot Employers’ Union President Metin Arhun said he has been misunderstood in the ongoing minimum wage debate, arguing that the country must adopt policies aligned with its own economic realities rather than international comparisons.

Referring to wage levels in various countries, Arhun stated: “We are Cypriots; we will act however it suits us. Why should we care about country A or country B? The minimum wage in India is 80 dollars, in Bangladesh it’s 100 dollars. I will bring workers from there, and the state will force me to pay them 1,000 dollars. Where is the logic? Cypriots don’t work for the minimum wage anyway.”

He noted that Dubai does not implement a minimum wage and that Pakistani and Bangladeshi workers there earn substantially less.

“I’m Not Saying It Shouldn’t Increase — I’m Saying It Should Increase Correctly”

Arhun emphasized that he supports increasing the minimum wage, but only in a way that is economically justified. “I never said the minimum wage should not be raised. On the contrary—if conditions allow, let’s even increase it above the cost of living. But bring the data and let’s discuss it. The government must present the numbers. If the current wage is too low, let’s raise it; if it is too high, then adjust it according to the cost of living. This is a political choice.”

He noted that the Ministry of Finance recently announced an 18 percent cost-of-living adjustment, placing the potential new gross minimum wage at around 60,000 TL. “But is that the correct figure? This must be debated,” he said.

“Starting the Debate in December Disrupts the Market”

Arhun, who served on the Minimum Wage Determination Commission for 25 years, criticized the timing of the current negotiations.

He said discussions should normally begin in January, and starting them in December causes unnecessary market instability. “We had to begin the debate this month. Ideally, we wouldn’t start early because it disrupts the market. The Labour Minister could have held preliminary meetings with unions before convening the commission,” he added.

Declining Production Sector

Arhun warned that the country’s production sector has significantly weakened. He recalled that the TRNC once had biscuit factories, paper production facilities, and garment manufacturers—most of which have since closed. “When a business shuts down, the employer moves to another field, but the worker becomes unemployed. Nobody talks about that,” he said.

“Turkey’s Minimum Wage Is Half of Ours”

Pointing out that the TRNC economy is in competition with Turkey, Arhun noted that the minimum wage in Turkey is roughly half of that in the TRNC. “If you constantly increase public-sector salaries without supporting the private sector, prices cannot be controlled. Fuel prices were increased twice. Between the 13th salary and regular salaries, where will the money come from? You’ll collect from citizens and pay state employees. This logic doesn’t work,” he said.

“Let’s Focus on Prices, Not Just the Minimum Wage”

Arhun reiterated his earlier statement that minimum wage and salary levels in the TRNC now surpass those of Portugal and Poland. “Are we really that wealthy? Instead of constantly debating the minimum wage, let’s address the prices of basic consumer goods,” he suggested.

Warning Against Neglecting Infrastructure and Flood Risks

The Employers’ Union President also highlighted infrastructure risks, especially regarding flooding.
He said that the country has taken measures against heat due to intense sunlight and low rainfall, but has neglected flood prevention due to the rarity of rain.

Referring to recent images of the Gönyeli Dam, he said: “The dams are filled with soil. These issues are only remembered when a flood occurs. Then we say, ‘Oh, the dam is full.’ Too late—past recovery.”