Union protest against layoffs at the Private Italian High School: 'The legal battle will continue to the end'

A large-scale press statement was held in front of the Private Italian High School in the Beyoğlu district to protest the dismissal of 12 teachers following a collective bargaining process. Led by the Tez-Koop-İş Union, the protest brought together education workers, parents, and students to condemn the school administration's stance. Official statements argued that the settlement process, which involved the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of National Education, was violated by the school administration.

"THE SIGNED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WAS DISREGARDED BY THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION"

In a statement released to the public on behalf of the Tez-Koop-İş Union, it was stated that the settlement reached at the table after a 123-day strike was unilaterally broken by the school administration.

The statement included the following points:

“It was noted that the teachers waged an honorable struggle at the school gates for 123 days during the winter months, and the strike was ended after a settlement was reached at the table.”

“It was emphasized that despite the teachers returning to their duties after the strike, the school administration ignored the signed agreement document and implemented a vengeful policy of liquidation and dismissal.”

“It was stated that the non-renewal of contracts and dismissal of 11 out of 14 teachers who returned to their posts after the strike constitutes a violation of the collective bargaining agreement and a blow to industrial peace.”

“It was conveyed that the process is not merely a dismissal, but is characterized as a trampling of universal law and the stifling of institutional culture with a massive lie.”

“It was alleged that the administration is attempting to establish a reign of terror within the school and intimidate employees seeking their rights through this policy of dismissal.”

“It was declared that the educational institution cannot be surrendered to a merchant mentality, and the struggle will continue until all educators who have been wronged are reinstated with their rights, titles, and reputations.”

"TURKISH LAW IS NOT RECOGNIZED, LEGAL PROCESS HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR OUR RIGHTS"

Özgür Doğu, who served as the Turkish Deputy Principal for 12 years until July 2026 at the Private Italian High School, stated in a detailed explanation that 12 experienced teachers, including department heads with 37 years of experience, were unfairly removed from the institution. Criticizing the practices of the Italian School Principal Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Doğu made the following declarations:

“It was stated that teachers who opposed irregularities and unfair wage policies, which were also confirmed by official findings of the Ministries of National Education and Labor, were kept away from their students for 123 days due to an uncompromising management approach.”

“It was alleged that School Principal Giuseppe Finocchiaro, despite holding official authority before the Republic of Turkey, refused any dialogue and intentionally caused the strike to continue and students to be victimized.”

“Recalling that Italian colleagues at the institution can be members of three different unions, it was stated that the legal union activities of Turkish teachers were attempted to be blocked through pressure, threats, and false statements.”

“It was alleged that Principal Finocchiaro used the strike process as a planned pretext to demonize teachers in the eyes of the public and to fire them at the end of the year.”

“It was emphasized that the manager in question, with his attitude of not recognizing Turkish law, disregarded the agreement under the auspices of the ministries; threatened parents with distortions that the school would close, and threatened students through visa applications.”

“It was announced that all evidence has been collected and necessary legal applications have been made against those who made statements such as 'This is Italian soil, watch your step!' at the school affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, those who gave false testimony, and those who targeted teachers on social media.”

“It was announced to the public that the struggle for rights has entered a new phase, and all legal steps have been taken for rights arising from both the laws of the Republic of Turkey and the agreements of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

News Source: 12punto