The government gets blindsided: They sent a message with verses
Memur-Sen, which rejected the government's salary offer in collective bargaining negotiations as "not even negotiable," held a strike in 81 provinces. The rally in Ankara opened with a recitation of the Quran. The selected verses were interpreted as a message to the government.
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The 8th Term Collective Bargaining negotiations, where salary rates and social rights for civil servants and retired civil servants are determined, have turned into a crisis. The second salary offer presented by the government was also rejected by Memur-Sen, which deemed it "not even negotiable." Following this, the union decided to go on strike and take to the streets.
MEMUR-SEN TAKES TO THE STREETS
Memur-Sen, the authorized union in the salary negotiations, decided to take action in response to the low offer, stating, "The government has pushed us to the streets."
Work was stopped in 81 provinces today. The largest gathering in Ankara took place at Anadolu Square following a march that began in front of the Memur-Sen Headquarters. The rally, attended by thousands of members, was evaluated as a strong message to the government.
RALLY OPENED WITH THE QURAN
The rally opened with a recitation of the Quran by Emekli Memur-Sen President Ali Küçükkösen. On stage, Küçükkösen recited verses 125, 126, 127, and 128 of Surah An-Nahl.
MESSAGE FROM THE VERSES
The phrase in the recited verses,
"Argue with them in the best way. Indeed, your Lord knows best who has strayed from His way, and He knows best who is rightly guided," drew attention.
The following messages also stood out in the recitation:
"If you have to respond, respond in proportion to the wrong done to you. But if you endure patiently, that is better for the patient."
"Endure with patience! Your patience is only with the help of Allah. Do not grieve over them, and do not be distressed by their schemes."
"Indeed, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good."