Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tugay announces the final step he will take regarding the strike: 'If it continues...'

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay made a statement following the latest meeting with the striking union. Tugay said, "Together with the people of Izmir, our workers, and our laborers, I will not bow to pressure and threats; I will only make promises I can keep, and I will not act irresponsibly.

If the uncompromising attitude continues, I will submit all proposals sent by the Union Officials to the approval of the people of Izmir.

I trust the common sense of our people and our workers against the approaches of the union officials that exceed the limits of reasonableness," he said.

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay made a statement on his social media account regarding the process.

Tugay included the following statements in his announcement:

"The meeting our friends held with the union executives today unfortunately remained inconclusive once again. Despite all the good-faith steps we have taken, the union executives continue their uncompromising stance from the first day. Our proposal, which contains clear figures that I shared with the public this morning, is on the table. It is sad and thought-provoking that the figures we offered by pushing our municipal budget to the limit are met with such an indifferent attitude. 

I would like to say this to the people of Izmir again; I will continue to strive for a solution, but even under pressure and threats, I will never act 'irresponsibly'.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement has been dragged into a narrow-minded negotiation by the Union Officials. However, as far as it is understood, this process is ostensibly a wage dispute. I am also submitting my other questions, topics, and opinions, which are outside of wages, to the appreciation of the people of Izmir;

How should we interpret the holding of a strike rally in Izmir while operations are being carried out against Istanbul Municipalities? How should we interpret the lack of a mass action against the government that cuts off public resources? Are you aware that the victim of the strike by public workers is the people of Izmir? What is the purpose of approaching our proposals in an uncompromising manner and coming with proposals that will definitely not be accepted, even though we have explained the entire budget item by item?

I remind you that it is our historical responsibility to fight together against pressure and autocracy. Together with the people of Izmir, our workers, and our laborers, I will not bow to pressure and threats; I will only make promises I can keep, and I will not act irresponsibly.

If the uncompromising attitude continues, I will submit all proposals sent by the Union Officials to the approval of the people of Izmir. I trust the common sense of our people and our workers against the approaches of the union officials that exceed the limits of reasonableness."

News Source: 12punto