Tüpraş workers in Kocaeli stand up against Koç Holding
Workers have launched a work stoppage in response to a 28 percent wage increase offer during collective bargaining negotiations covering 3,500 employees at Tüpraş. The Petrol-İş Union stated that this offer is insufficient and sent a message of determination ahead of the next meeting.
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Collective bargaining negotiations between Tüpraş and the Petrol-İş Union, which began at the end of January, have reached an impasse as the workers' demands were not met. The employer's proposal of a 28 percent raise and a 3-year contract was rejected by workers at refineries in İzmir, Kocaeli, Batman, and Kırıkkale, leading to the start of work stoppage actions.
Petrol-İş Union Kocaeli Branch President Nesimi Yetişoğlu emphasized that Koç Holding is not operating at a loss, stating that workers operate under dangerous conditions and that the 28 percent raise is insufficient. It was announced that a new meeting will be held tomorrow at the invitation of the employer.
Support visits to the workers are also continuing. CHP deputies Muhip Kanko, Harun Yıldızlı, and Nail Çiler, İzmit Mayor Fatma Kaplan Hürriyet, Derince Mayor Sertif Gökçe, the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) provincial organization, and Saadet Party officials attended the protest held in front of the İzmit refinery to show their support for the workers.