Union Rights, Precarious employment, Türkiye
Action by health union delivers results
Picketing and strike action by the Dev Sağlık-İş trade union, with support from EPSU and PSI, helped address bullying, harassment and anti-trade union behaviour by management at the Koç University Hospital in Istanbul. Although the dismissed union members were not reinstated, the employer paid increased compensation in recognition of the discriminatory action against union officials. The union also secured the dismissal of the manager responsible for the bullying, the end to harassment and withdrawal of false accusations against union members. Both PSI and EPSU sent protest letters.
Confederations unite in opposition to labour law changes
The three trade union confederations, TÜRK-İŞ, HAK-İŞ and DİSK, have issued a joint statement condemning new proposals for more flexible labour law. The provisions would allow for a wider use of temporary contracts and discriminate specifically against workers aged under 25 or over 50. The changes would also promote more part-time working. The confederations are particularly concerned about the impact on rights to severance pay, pensions and social security and are calling for a withdrawal of the draft legislation. They have strongly criticised the attempt to push through the legislation with
Supporting trade union rights and democracy in Turkey – at the Genel-Is Congress
Against the background of the dismissal of mayors and the imposition of trustees in major towns in the South East of Turkey, delegates of the municipal services union Genel-Is gathered for their 17th Congress.
Union campaigns against dismissals
The Hizmet-Is public service union has been running a major campaign for the reinstatement of 97 workers sacked by the mayor of the Bolu municipality in North West Turkey. No reasons were given for the sackings and the workers have been protesting for over 110 days and even marched the 200 km to Ankara in protest. EPSU has sent a letter of protest to the mayor asking for the workers to be reinstated. See also the campaign involving Genel-Is, fighting for the rights of workers sacked by the Aliağa municipality, reported in the previous issue of the newsletter.
Calls for solidarity with sacked municipal workers
Local government workers employed by the Aliağa Municipality in Izmir are being sacked without justification and the newly elected mayor is also forcing workers to resign from their union, Genel-İş, and to join another one. The number of dismissals reached 187 on July 24 and workers have been picketing since the 20 May, demanding reinstatement and respect for trade union rights and freedoms. Online support is being coordinated by the Labourstart campaigning organisation and promoted by EPSU and PSI.