The march to Ankara, initiated by the Bulancak Branch of the United Pensioners' Union for the economic and social rights of pensioners, continued with the Ordu leg. Union members who arrived in Ordu from Bulancak were welcomed in the city by members of the Revolutionary Pensioners' Union Ordu Branch.
Gathering at the Cable Car Parking Lot, members of the two unions marched along the coastal route with banners and slogans, proceeding through Sırrıpaşa Street to the Grain Market Square. Speaking at the welcome event, Revolutionary Pensioners' Union Ordu Branch President Cengiz Özyurt emphasized solidarity.
Dear fellow pensioners, welcome to our city. We are happy to welcome you and to be in solidarity. We know that we will win by uniting. We are with you. May your path be clear.
The press statement held in the square was read by United Pensioners' Union Bulancak Branch President İbrahim Arslan. Stating that pensioners are struggling to meet their basic needs, Arslan said that those who have worked and produced for years are now facing problems with livelihood, health, and housing.
We worked for years, we produced, we lifted this country up. Today, what is deemed appropriate for us is an empty kitchen, unpaid bills, and inaccessible medicine. Enough is enough. We are not the burden of this country, we are its foundation.
DEMANDS WILL BE TAKEN TO ANKARA
Arslan stated that the demands of the pensioners include increasing the lowest pension to at least 50 thousand liras, re-regulating base pensions according to humane living conditions, increasing pensions by taking into account real inflation and growth rates, and eliminating inequalities among pensioners.
Demanding that the holiday bonus be at least 30 thousand liras, Arslan called for the burden of medicine, examination, and treatment expenses to be lightened; and for social support to be provided for housing, nutrition, and energy expenses. Providing free or discounted access to transportation, culture, arts, and recreational facilities for pensioners was also among the demands.
Stating that the right of pensioners' unions to speak and engage in collective bargaining must be guaranteed in budget and social security policies, Arslan expressed that they are taking their demands to Ankara to ensure they are included in the 2027 budget.
Regarding the march schedule, Arslan said they will be in the squares in Ordu, Samsun, Merzifon, and Çorum on October 12; and on October 13, they will make a statement in front of the TBMM Dikmen Gate and announce their demands during the political parties' group meetings.
News Source: 12punto
