PRESS STATEMENT

Respectfully Submitted to the Public

THE DEVELOPMENTS ARE HAVING SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR, SECURITY OF ENERGY SUPPLY, CONTINUITY OF PUBLIC SERVICES, AND ECONOMIC LIFE.

As the Turkish Cypriot Electrical Contractors Association (KTEMB), we are closely following the dispute between the KIB-TEK Management and EL-SEN, as well as the ongoing strike process. As of 7 October, it has been reported in the press that no agreement has been reached between the parties during the negotiations held, and that the Government has issued a decision banning the strike, while the union leadership has announced that it will not comply with this decision.

We believe that the current situation should not be regarded merely as a labour relations dispute between the parties. The developments have significant implications for the future of the electricity sector, security of energy supply, continuity of public services, and economic life.

Recent incidents and allegations reported in the public domain have also raised questions regarding public confidence in the relevant institutions. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that every incident be assessed impartially and technically, together with its causes and consequences; identified deficiencies be remedied without delay; and the necessary measures be taken.

THE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS MUST BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND NECESSARY MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN

In particular, occupational health and safety concerns recently brought to public attention, as well as accidents occurring within the electricity sector, must be addressed seriously—not only in terms of employee safety, but also with regard to the quality of KIB-TEK’s services and the overall reputation of the electricity sector.

KIB-TEK is a strategic institution that operates in the field under high-risk working conditions and in all weather conditions to meet the country’s electricity needs. Therefore, the issue should not be viewed merely as a matter of protective clothing or personal protective equipment.

Particularly with regard to the most recent transformer accident, it is of utmost importance that the entire chain of events leading to the accident be identified in all its aspects. The incident should be clarified through a comprehensive and technically sound accident investigation.

Is the problem related to training and competency, supervision, maintenance and operational procedures, technical equipment or protective equipment, or does it result from a combination of several factors?

All of these questions must be answered, and permanent measures must be implemented to prevent the same causes from recurring. Because unless the causes are correctly identified, the measures taken cannot provide a lasting solution.

CALL FOR DIALOGUE AND NEGOTIATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LAW

Ensuring that electricity is supplied continuously and safely is a shared responsibility of KIB-TEK management, its employees, the trade union, and all relevant stakeholders. While respecting the legal rights of employees, we also believe that the continuity of public services and the security of electricity supply must be safeguarded.

The ongoing process is directly or indirectly affecting all citizens, commercial enterprises, and sectors that depend on electricity. In particular, disruptions to inspection, application-file, and connection procedures within KIB-TEK are causing delays and economic losses in the work carried out by KTEMB members.

At a time when recent events are increasing tension and uncertainty within society, KTEMB calls on all parties to seek solutions through dialogue and negotiation within the framework of the law, without allowing the problems to escalate further, and to initiate the necessary joint efforts to ensure that the electricity sector develops a safe, sustainable, and resilient structure.

Our objective is to contribute to the establishment of a system in which safe working conditions are ensured, a strong and sustainable KIB-TEK is maintained, electricity supply continues uninterrupted and safely, and the future of the electricity sector is secured.

Respectfully,

15th Term Board of Directors

Türkay Uzun Sılalı

President

08/10/2026