Demonstrations against the extension of the retirement age to the 64th year

 

 

Hundreds of workers and youth demonstrated dynamically and militantly outside Parliament in March against the Bill tabled by the Democratic Rally DHSY party and the Democratic DHKO Party for the extension of the retirement age to the 64th year in the broader public sector. Protests were organised by the Pancyprian Federation of Labour on 29.03.2012 and the “Coalition against the extension of the retirement age” (formed by student unions, youth organisations, trade unions and teachers organisations) on 22.03.2012.

The main slogans during the protests were: “Enough of the mockery, the
retirement age is increasing, society is paying the cost” and “No decisions
behind workers backs!”. The demonstrators were holding banners such as
“The extension of the retirement age shall not pass!”, “Take measures
against unemployment”, “Students-Workers-One voice-One fist!”, “Increasing
the retirement age will not save finances!”, “The plutocracy
should pay for the crisis!”
Demonstrations against the extension of the
retirement age to the 64th year.

The General Secretary of AKEL Andros Kyprianou, flanked by AKELLeft-
New Forces MP´s , addresed the youth mobilisation stating that,
“We are here to assure you of our support towards your struggle”.
“Some forces”, he continued, “cannot hyprocritically shed tears on the
one hand about the sharp rise in youth unemployment, whilst striving
to promote measures aiming at increasing youth unemployment. We
are on your side. Continue your struggle. We gain many rights through
struggle.