EPSU mobilises for jailed Turkish trade unionists

(3 October 2012) On October 4, 15 female members of the confederation of Public Employees trade unions (KESK) will be in court accused of belonging to a terrorist organisation, while simply trying to organise women workers and fight for better jobs and conditions. See more info: www.epsu.org/a/8690

These women trade unionists have been in jail since February 13 when the KESK headquarters and some of the houses of the arrested members were raided. These raids have to be seen in the context of repeated harassment of the trade union movement in Turkey.

The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) is mobilizing its members in solidarity with KESK members in court. The international trade union movement has been observing the alarming situation in Turkey with increasing concern and we want to join with it in denouncing these mock trials.

See below the letter that EPSU has sent with the International trade unions (ITUC, EI and ETUC) to protest against the harassment of Turkish trade unions.

EPSU stands shoulder to shoulder with those that fight for democracy, social justice and workers rights, particularly when those fighting back do so at the risk of imprisonment. We denounce the lack of justice for trade union activists and we will keep our commitment to support the struggle of Turkish unions for decent work, a more democratic society and job for all.
We include also some of the letters of solidarity and protest that our members have sent to the Turkish authorities.

Tomorrow Thursday 4 October at noon in front of the Turkish Permanent representation to the European Union in Brussels (Avenue des Arts 36/38 1000 Brussels) there will be a solidarity picket and a press point.

- More information about the press conference in Ankara on 3 October