Türk-İş announces 'strike' decision: 'We have no other door left'

Türk-İş President Ergün Atalay announced that they will decide to strike on July 15 if the wage increase demands of public workers are not met. Stating "We have no other door left," Atalay emphasized that the workers' patience has run out.

Ergün Atalay, President of Türk-İş, one of Turkey's largest labor confederations, sent a stern message to the government in his statement regarding wage negotiations for public workers. Atalay announced that they would decide to strike if their demands are not met by July 15.

In a press statement held in front of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) Regional Directorate with the participation of union officials and numerous workers, Atalay said, "We have no desire to take action, but we have no other door left to knock on."

DEMANDS VOICED IN 81 PROVINCES

Stating that they have voiced the demands of public workers across all of Turkey within the scope of the collective bargaining framework protocol, Atalay said, "We have explained our grievances to the public. If the table remains silent, the streets will speak."

Drawing attention to the economic difficulties faced by minimum wage earners, retirees, women, and the disabled, Atalay stated that the problems being experienced cannot be ignored.

'4 WORKERS LOSE THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY'

Touching upon workplace accidents, Atalay noted that an average of 4 workers lose their lives in Turkey every day and added:

"This is not a workplace accident; it is a workplace murder. For the first time in 40 years, we are witnessing young people who passed the KPSS exam not starting their jobs. Because the salary is 40 thousand liras, and the rent is 25 thousand. Who can make a living under these conditions?"

'THE STATE IGNORES PUBLIC WORKERS'

Emphasizing that it is impossible to make a living with current salaries, Atalay stated that the state is not acting fairly toward public workers:

"The wage we receive is just a notch above the minimum wage. It is difficult to make it through 10 days. The state remains indifferent to the reasonable demands of public workers. This makes us uneasy. If our peace is disturbed, everyone's peace will be disturbed."

Addressing the government and specifically President Erdoğan, Atalay called on the Ministries of Labor and Finance:

"Bring a reasonable offer as soon as possible. We have 3 more action calendars ahead of us. If our demands are not met by July 15, we will decide to strike."