1,376 Turkish workers laid off, replaced by Nepalese workers

Large-scale layoffs have occurred at the thermal power plant operating in the Afşin-Elbistan region of Kahramanmaraş, which is managed by Çelikler Holding. While 1,376 Turkish workers were left unemployed during the month of Ramadan, new workers were brought in from Nepal and China to replace them. It was stated that these workers are employed for a monthly salary of 500-600 dollars, which is much lower than the wages in their own countries.

While the unemployment rate remains high in Turkey, it is noteworthy that companies are sourcing cheap labor from thousands of kilometers away. Laborers coming to work from as far as 5,300 kilometers away in Nepal and 8,000 kilometers away in China are working under harsh conditions without insurance and for low wages.

CHP Kahramanmaraş Deputy Ali Öztunç brought the developments to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). Öztunç reacted by saying, "The people of Elbistan and Afşin are inhaling the ash and suffering from all kinds of illnesses, yet they remain unemployed. In what book is this written?"

On the other hand, it was emphasized that almost the entire local population is facing the threat of unemployment. In addition to the layoffs, it is also alleged that occupational safety at the plant is weak and that work accidents occur almost every day. The lack of social security for the newly arrived migrant workers and the disregard for local employment are causing serious reactions among the local population.

Deputy Ali Öztunç highlighted the seriousness of the process once again with the words, "1,376 people were laid off during the month of Ramadan. In their place, they brought in workers from Nepal and China who work for 500-600 dollars. There is no insurance either. Every day, 5 or 10 people are fired. The local population will be left completely unemployed. Not a day goes by without a work accident." .