Cemil Tugay once again announced his offer to striking workers! 'We have to think about 4 million residents of Izmir, not just one group'

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay made a detailed statement regarding the strike initiated due to disagreements in collective bargaining negotiations. Emphasizing that they do not have a direct problem with the striking workers, Tugay said, “We carry out our services together with our workers. We have no problem with them.”

Addressing the payroll discussions regarding the workers, Tugay said, “They tell us ‘you are disclosing wages,’ but they themselves serve the highest salary payrolls to the press. If we share the average payrolls of all employees, the truth will emerge.”

“THIS IS NOT A FACTORY, IT IS MANAGED WITH PUBLIC TAXES”

Stating that the municipality is not a commercial establishment, Tugay said, “This is not a factory. It is not a structure that makes a profit and distributes that profit. This municipality survives on the taxes of the citizens. Therefore, we have to serve all of Izmir,” opposing the use of the budget focused on a single segment.

Tugay said, “We cannot satisfy just one group. 4 and a half million people benefit from these services. We have to use our budget correctly. This approach is not a stance against union rights. But to those who define this approach as ‘anti-worker,’ I say ‘damn it.’”

“WE WILL NOT SACRIFICE IZMIR TO POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM”

Tugay also reacted to those targeting CHP-run municipalities over the strike:

“While Turkey is in an economic crisis, those who engage in politics through CHP municipalities have not been able to convince the public until today, and they will not be able to do so from now on. We are candidates for power; we want to govern this country. We will show our justice both in the collective bargaining agreement and while collecting trash on the streets.”

Reminding the municipality's responsibilities regarding waste collection, Tugay said, “You cannot stop me while I am collecting trash. If you are going to strike, go ahead, but you cannot tell me ‘you cannot collect trash.’ We will continue to look after this city. We will not allow a deadlock; we will resolve it through legal means if necessary.”

MUNICIPALITY'S WAGE OFFER: 65-80 THOUSAND LIRA

Tugay also shared the municipality's offer with the public.

“The highest offer we have made is between 65 thousand and 80 thousand lira. We are also proposing a 10 percent raise in September. This offer of ours is still valid,” he said, expressing that the municipality is doing its part.

Reacting to the rhetoric of the unions, Tugay said, “They say, ‘I have 500 thousand votes; if I gave them to Hamza Dağ, you wouldn't have been elected.’ Even these expressions show how they view the worker.”

“YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BRING IZMIR METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY TO ITS KNEES”

Continuing his remarks, Mayor Tugay said, “No one will be able to bring the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality to its knees. We will continue on our path in this city with justice and fairness. No one's political calculations can stand in the way of the people of Izmir receiving services.”