Teachers forced into 'unpaid leave' for NATO: It is unlawful

Led by the Private Sector Teachers' Union, they had resisted in Ankara to ensure the right to a base salary, to resolve grievances regarding interviews, and to implement secure working conditions.

The teachers had determinedly continued the hunger strike they began on June 15 for 13 days and stated that they had decided to move their struggle to other provinces due to the martial law-like measures to be implemented within the scope of the NATO Summit. 

Teachers in Ankara Forced into Annual or Unpaid Leave

According to information obtained by 12punto, some private sector teachers in Ankara allege that they are being forced by their institutions to take annual leave between July 6-12, or to take "unpaid leave" if they are not in a position to do so, in the context of the NATO Summit.

While restrictions continue for the NATO Summit, which will be held in Ankara on July 7-8 and has effectively brought martial law-like conditions to provinces outside Ankara such as Eskişehir, Mersin, Karabük, Adana, Bolu, Niğde, Konya, Sakarya, Elazığ, and Antalya, this step taken against teachers is emerging as a form of "mobbing".

'It is unlawful'

Speaking to 12punto regarding the allegations, Mahmut Yıldırım, a member of the Central Executive Board of the Private Sector Teachers' Union, said, "The NATO decision is an administrative decision. Just as an administrative holiday decision comes through the governorates during snow days and private educational institutions are forced to close, this situation should be evaluated in the same way. If workplaces are required to be closed following administrative decisions, employees' wages cannot be cut. No sanctions can be applied to the employee. Because the decision belongs to the administration in that province. For example, during a snow day, students and teachers do not go to the institution. Therefore, teachers' wages cannot be cut. Forcing teachers into unpaid leave is likewise unlawful."

'It is a necessity for education workers to act together and unionize'

Furthermore, while stating that decisions taken through the Ministry of National Education or Governor's offices should not victimize teachers, Yıldırım said, "Our union's lawyers have always made a great effort to ensure that teachers are not victimized. Our union will also file complaints with the necessary authorities in line with any complaints that may arise. We state that teachers must fight against all unlawful practices and organize in their unions. It is a necessity for education workers to act together and unionize."

News: Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU