EPSU

EPSU sends letter of protest to Turkish president over detention of trade unionist

catherine — 2010-06-29T09:47:51Z

(29 June 2010) EPSU and its sister organisation, PSI, have once again had to intervene on behalf of Meryem Özsögüt from the Turkish health union SES. Both organisations have written letters of protest to the Turkish president to complain about her arrest and the sentencing and detention of other public service trade unionists.

Meryem made the closing speech at last year's EPSU congress, where she gave a harrowing account of the arrest and torture that she had been subjected at the hands of the Turkish authorities. In 2008 she had organized a press conference to denounce executions carried out by the authorities. She was summarily arrested at gunpoint and detained without trial.

The letter expresses our deep concern about reports of Meryem's poor health, resulting from her earlier imprisonment, and the potential impact of her further incarceration. We see no reason why she should remain in prison whilst awaiting her trial given that no evidence of a crime has been presented, nor is there any evidence that she poses a threat to society.

EPSU and PSI were part of the international solidarity campaign that helped secure her release on that occasion. Both organisations believe that this latest arrest of Ms Özsöğüt is the result of a deliberate policy to use judicial means to harass and intimidate trade unionists, particularly those unionists who belong to the largely Kurdish confederation, KESK.


EPSU letter to Turkish President

EPSU welcomes release of KESK trade unionists in Turkey – But injustice not yet over

catherine — 2009-11-25T10:47:51Z

(25 November 2009) Several trade union leaders of KESK were arrested on 28 May 2009. They were accused of having established a terrorist organization amongst others. EPSU, PSI and many others condemned the continuing persecution of the unionists. Meryem Özsögüt of SES told the EPSU Congress of the abuse she and her fellow unionists suffered from the authorities. Injuries, maltreatment, dismissal and imprisonment were common when speaking up for workers rights. EPSU again demanded the release of Ms. Seher Tümer, a Branch Secretary of EPSU affiliate SES in August. She was one of the unionists imprisoned in May.

The unionists faced trial 19 and 20 November, in Izmir Turkey. An international union delegation attended the trial. The Court has now ruled on 21 November that all the detainees had to be freed. But they will have to appear in Court again in March 2010. To read a more detailed account from the ITUC.

“This is great news for our colleagues, the workers and their unions. We pay tribute to their determination and courage. It remains of concern to us that our colleagues have to appear in Court again in March next year. Turkey has been convicted on several occasions. The Turkish is to respect trade union rights and engage in meaningful discussions and negotiations with the public service trade unions” said EPSU Deputy General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan. The Turkish government wishes to open negotiations on the social and employment chapter to prepare for its membership of the EU. “One of the conditions for opening these negotiations has to be respect for trade union rights, ILO conventions, the Council of Europe' Social Charter and the EU's social model, also in the public services” he adds.

KESK will stage a demonstration on 25 November 2009 to defend the rights of public service workers. For more information:http://www.kesk.org.tr/index.php

EPSU message of solidarity for striking KESK workers

Turkish workers walk 600 Km in protest of dismissals!

catherine — 2009-10-22T11:43:50Z

(22 October 2009) The protest March in support of the dismissed Kent-As workers is now drawing to a close. After more than 30 days of marching, covering close to 600km, the workers plan to occupy a square in Ankara until such time as they get their jobs back.

Despite an attempt by the police to try and ban the march, the workers covered around 20km a day walking along the side of the motorway which links Izmir to Ankara. PSI European Secretary, Jürgen Buxbaum, joined the march on October 10th and spoke on behalf of PSI and the EPSU expressing solidarity and support with the workers.

The March was joined at times by members of support groups and other unions, as well as some political parties and many passersby expressed their sympathy and support for the protesters.

For the full story please go to Public Service International (PSI ) website

Local Trade Unionists under increasing attack from Turkish Police

2009-08-11T16:19:57Z

(11 August, 2009) EPSU has again condemned the human rights abuses being carried out against Turkish Trade Unionists, particularly trade union federation KESK.

EPSUGeneral Secretary, Carola Fischbach-Pyttel, has sent a message to Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urging him to take action.

The Turkish Police Authorities have arrested dozens of trade unionists this year, 32 of whom still remain in prison. A typical case, cited in the letter sent to Mr. Erdoğan, is that of Ms. Seher Tümer, a Branch Secretary of EPSU affiliate SES(of the KESK federation), who has languished in jail, since April of this year.

MS; Fischbach-Pyttel stated that the only reason Ms. Tümer is being detained is that she is an active trade unionist. She added that; “this is not the actions of a state, or authorities which claim to be democratic".

Please read the full text of the letter below:


EPSU letter of Codemnation to Turkish PM

EPSU/ETUI-REHS report “Better defending and promoting trade union rights in the public sector” is now also available in French and Ukrainian as well as in English

catherine — 2009-08-03T09:01:57Z

A summary version is also available in EN/BG/CZ/HU/PL/RO/RU/TK.

Part II of the report – the country chapters – is available in English.

The report maps out the current situation with regard to the application of and respect for trade union rights in the public sector across Europe.

It identifies persistent and existing obstacles and problems facing trade union rights, in particular concerning the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the right to take collective action, as well as information and consultation rights. The analysis provided focuses on three main forums or levels, namely the European Union, the Council of Europe and the ILO.

http://www.epsu.org/a/4076

EPSU asks Turkish government to allow peaceful 1 May Demonstration

catherine — 2009-04-15T15:04:59Z

(4 May 2009) 1 May success for trade unions in Turkey Although the police did not allow a free demonstration and there are reports of clashes and violence, the Turkish unions did march into Taksim square to underline their demands for promoting the rights of workers and to commemorate those who died when shot at in 1977 when over 500.000 gathered in the square.

For more information see:
DISK (EN)

And an history of 1 May in Turkey

(Brussels, 15 April 2009) Following the many years of police brutality to disperse the peaceful 1 May demonstrations of the trade unions in Turkey, EPSU and PSI have addressed the government to provide guarantees that it and its police force will allow the peaceful demonstrations. It is a test to show that Turkey is ready to join the EU.

The ETUC welcomes the decision to make 1 May a public holiday. A victory for the unions. It calls on the government to respect the peaceful demonstrations on 1 May; for more


EPSU letter


PSI letter

Vengeful Turkish Authorities go after President Yorgun and colleagues of SES health union

epsuadmin — 2008-11-28T09:57:23Z

(28 November 2008) The Turkish government released President Yorgun of Turkish health affiliate SES after months in jail on trumphed up charges. Due to international pressure the Turkish government had to release her. But the Turkish government has now found another way to go after her: it dismissed her and colleague Ms Özsöğüt.
EPSU and PSI will continue to defend the rights of workers to speak out, belong to a trade union and will not let workers be silenced by governments and employers. To read the PSI letter and the EPSU letter.


PSI letter


EPSU letter

Meryem Özsögüt has been released

epsuadmin — 2008-09-19T14:38:00Z

(19 September 2008) After more than eight months in prison Meryem Özsögüt has finally been acquitted and released after her trial on Friday 5 September. Ms Özsögüt is in good health and will shortly be able to return to her duties. In a message to PSI on Ms Özsögüt's behalf, SES thanked the international community for its support and solidarity via the Labourstart campaign as well as PSI affiliates, the ILO, the EPSU and ETUC, and the European Union Commissioners. PSI especially thanks EU Parliamentarian Mr Joost Langedijk, Chairman of the Turkey delegation to the European Parliament who had personally handed over the campaign signatures to the EU leaders.

Click here for more.

EPSU ETUI-REHS report “Better defending and promoting trade union rights in the public sector” (part I & II)

catherine — 2008-09-13T10:05:00Z

Part one: Summary of available tools and actions points

(15 September 2008) Designed as a campaign-oriented, practical tool, the report maps out the current situation with regard to the application of and respect for trade union rights in the public sector across Europe. It identifies persistent and existing obstacles and problems facing trade union rights, in particular concerning the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining and the right to take collective action, as well as information and consultation rights. The analysis provided focuses on three main forums or levels, namely the European Union, the Council of Europe and the ILO. (see Executive Summary in EN/BG/CZ/HU/PL/RO/RU/TK below)


EPSU ETUI report08 TU rights

Part two: Country reports


PART II - EN

Part one: Summary of available tools and actions points

General introduction p.7
List of abbreviations p.9
List of main regulations p.11
Executive summary and recommendations p.13
Analysis of the different forums and tools p.29
1. EU level p.29

1.1. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
1.2. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
1.3. Information and consultation rights in the public sector

2. Council of Europe – European Social Charters p.45

2.1. Introduction
2.2. What is the European Social Charter?
2.3. What rights are guaranteed by the Charter?
2.4. How does monitoring work?
2.5. Collective complaints relating to trade union/workers' rights in the public sector (state of play December 2007)
2.6. Articles 5 and 6 on the right to organise, collective bargaining and collective action – an overview of the case law in relation to the public sector

3. ILO p.71

3.1. Introduction
3.2. Main relevant texts
3.3. Signatures and ratifications by EU and EEA member states and EU candidate countries of the ILO Conventions relevant to the trade union rights of public sector workers (State of play: December 2007)
3.4. The ILO Supervisory System
3.5. The right to collective bargaining: rules established by the Committee on Freedom of Association and the Committee of Experts
3.6. Right to strike of public sector workers: principles established by the Committee on Freedom of Association and the Committee of Experts

Annex 1: p.83 Signatures and ratifications by EU and EEA member states and EU candidate countries of the European Social Charter, its Protocols and the European Social Charter (Revised) (State of play: December 2007)
Annex 2: p.84 Acceptance of the ‘trade union rights' articles (Articles 5 and 6) by EU and EEA member states and EU candidate countries
Annex 3: p.85 ILO Conventions/Recommendations relating to trade union rights for the public sector workers: Convention no. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise 85 Convention no. 98 on the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention no. 151 on Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention no. 154 on Collective Bargaining Recommendation no. 159 on Labour Relations (Public Service) Recommendation no. 163 on Collective Bargaining
Annex 4: p.92 Useful web links
Annex 5: p.93 References for further reading

- Executive summary


Executive summary - EN


Executive summary - DE


Executive summary - ES


Executive summary - SV


Executive summary - BG


Executive summary - CZ


Executive summary - HU


Executive summary - PL


Executive summary - RO


Executive summary - TK


Executive summary - RU

ПОСИЛЕННЯ ЗАХИСТУ І СПРИЯННЯ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ПРАВ ПРОФСПІЛОК У ДЕРЖАВНОМУ СЕКТОРІ

catherine — 2007-07-30T14:33:00Z

Короткий виклад наявних інструментів та можливих дій


Part I - Ukr

Part two: Country reports


PART II - EN

EPSU

EPSU sends letter of protest to Turkish president over detention of trade unionist

EPSU welcomes release of KESK trade unionists in Turkey – But injustice not yet over

Turkish workers walk 600 Km in protest of dismissals!

Local Trade Unionists under increasing attack from Turkish Police

EPSU/ETUI-REHS report “Better defending and promoting trade union rights in the public sector” is now also available in French and Ukrainian as well as in English

EPSU asks Turkish government to allow peaceful 1 May Demonstration

Vengeful Turkish Authorities go after President Yorgun and colleagues of SES health union

Meryem Özsögüt has been released

EPSU ETUI-REHS report “Better defending and promoting trade union rights in the public sector” (part I & II)

Part one: Summary of available tools and actions points

Part two: Country reports

Table of contents

- Executive summary

ПОСИЛЕННЯ ЗАХИСТУ І СПРИЯННЯ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ПРАВ ПРОФСПІЛОК У ДЕРЖАВНОМУ СЕКТОРІ

Part two: Country reports