The 172-day struggle for rights has reached its end: The Polonez workers' battle for justice has brought victory!

The struggle of the workers who were dismissed from the Polonez factory in Çatalca, Istanbul, for joining a union and who resisted for months, has resulted in a victory.

172 DAYS IN THE STRUGGLE FOR RIGHTS

On the 172nd day of the Polonez workers' resistance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Tekgıda-İş Union held a meeting today.

It was announced at the meeting that an agreement had been reached between the employer and the Tekgıda-İş Union.

Minister Vedat Işıkhan made the statement regarding the agreement.

MINISTER IŞIKHAN: 'WORKERS' LOST RIGHTS WILL BE PAID'

According to the statement by Işıkhan, who used his social media account to say, "Today, as a result of the meetings we held at our Ministry with union representatives, workers, and employers, we would like to share the good news that the process has been resolved and an agreement has been reached between the parties," it was decided that all of the workers' rights regarding severance pay, notice pay, and compensation for the period they were out of work would be paid.

'WE MADE OUR VOICES HEARD BY DEAF EARS'

On the other hand, a statement was made by the union on behalf of the Polonez workers in front of the Çatalca Courthouse. The statement said:

"We were dismissed under Code 46, for theft. But together, just as we explained to all of Turkey that we are not thieves, we have thankfully made our voices heard by deaf ears as well. We changed Code 46 to 04 together.

We held a referendum against those who said, 'We will not give you your severance or notice pay unless you give up your union rights,' and we said 'continue.' At the point we have reached, one: everyone will receive their severance pay, two: they will receive all of their notice periods, three: they will receive the six months they spent out of work, and they will receive their union compensation according to their seniority.

And fifth: Our union organization inside will be protected, and our friends will not be touched."

CELEBRATION WITH DRUMS AND ZURNA BY WORKERS

The statement, which said, "As of today, we will remove the tent in front of the courthouse, and tomorrow we will hold our celebration with drums and zurna at 1 o'clock (13:00) by removing the tent in front of the factory," ended with the slogans, "Rights are not given, they are taken; victory is won on the streets!"