The strike initiated by workers who are members of the Genel-İş Union, working in various service areas at Izmir Metropolitan Municipality subsidiaries İZELMAN, İZENERJİ, and EGEŞEHİR, is now in its fifth day.
CEMİL TUGAY HAD GONE TO THE FIELD TO COLLECT TRASH
Due to the strike by workers at Izmir Metropolitan Municipality subsidiaries, trash accumulated in areas such as Alsancak, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street, and Kordon, causing public discomfort, which led Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay to go to the field.
A dispute occurred between Mayor Tugay, who put on gloves to collect trash, and Ercan Gül, the head of DİSK Genel-İş Branch No. 2, who attempted to stop him.
While the workers stated, 'This trash is our bread. The worker is protecting their bread,' Mayor Tugay replied, 'People who go on strike leave the workplace and go home. I am doing your job here. I will not let you infringe upon the rights of Izmir.'
"WATCH YOUR WORDS"
Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Tugay participated in a live broadcast on TELE-1.
In response to a question from live broadcast host İnan Demirel, who asked, 'Mr. Mayor, you collected a lot of trash in Izmir last night; some have accused you of strikebreaking for collecting trash,' Tugay said, 'I am a mayor representing 4.5 million residents of Izmir. Am I a union member to be a strikebreaker? Correct your statements, watch your words.'
Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Tugay's 'watch your words' reaction:
— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) June 2, 2025
'Strike-breaker' remark causes tensionhttps://t.co/hDPtf3mNM8 pic.twitter.com/dshNXZWXbY
News Source: 12punto
