Rally by KESK: 'End the privatization robbery'

KESK and its affiliated unions held rallies ahead of budget negotiations in Istanbul's Kartal Square and Diyarbakır Station Square. The rallies, called under the slogan "We want a democratic public budget in favor of labor," were attended by KESK and its affiliated unions, as well as the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), whose leadership was recently removed by a court decision, along with democratic mass organizations and political parties.

'BUDGET' EMPHASIS

Speaking at the rally in Istanbul, KESK Co-Chair Mehmet Bozgeyik stated that the economic policy presented through the Medium-Term Program is pushing the public further into poverty, while emphasizing that unemployment has become chronic due to the policies being pursued. Noting that wages are converging toward the minimum wage, Bozgeyik said that a budget will be debated in Parliament that maintains injustice in the tax system, cuts public spending, narrows the scope of social security, and ignores the basic needs of the people.

UNION LISTS DEMANDS

Stating that heavy bills will continue to be imposed on the public, Bozgeyik indicated that KESK will fight for the following demands:

• We want the obstacles to our right to the budget to be removed.
• We want an end to the marketization and liquidation of public services and the privatization robbery.
• We want an increase in the share allocated from the budget for public services and investments.
• We want a gender-sensitive budget to be implemented.
• We demand the improvement of public services for the disabled, an increase in the budget share allocated for disability services, and an increase in the employment of disabled individuals in the public sector.
• We demand tax justice. We want those who earn less to pay less tax, and those who earn more to pay more.
• We demand the implementation of a wealth tax on those above a certain level of wealth to end the unjust situation where the richest 1 percent of society seizes 54 percent of the national income, while the remaining 99 percent receives only 46 percent.
• We demand an end to policies and practices that impose slavery on labor.
• We demand a Basic Income Guarantee  to be implemented as a measure to prevent poverty and protect low-income earners.
• We demand the reinstatement of all public workers who were deprived of their jobs and livelihoods by State of Emergency (OHAL) decrees without any legal evidence or court rulings,
• and we demand an end to all forms of precarious employment practices that aim to eliminate the job security of public workers.
• We demand the removal of all obstacles to the employment of women in permanent, secure jobs, and the implementation of the right to a budget sensitive to gender equality,
• We demand that secure jobs and a safe future be provided for everyone,
• We demand the abandonment of monist, nationalist, chauvinist, and denialist policies that deepen the economic crisis; an end to human rights violations, particularly isolation, both outside and in prisons; the immediate implementation of democratic methods based on peaceful dialogue regarding the Kurdish issue; and the inclusion of a new constitution on the agenda within this framework.
  

"WITHOUT FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND DEMOCRACY, A SOCIETY CANNOT BE HEALTHY"

Following Bozgeyik, Şebnem Korur Fincancı, the recently dismissed President of the TTB Central Council by court order, took the floor. Korur, who was supported by slogans and applause during her speech, emphasized that it is impossible for a society to be healthy without freedom, justice, and democracy. Korur stated the following:

"They think they have dismissed us for activities outside our purpose. However, our history goes far beyond the purpose they have defined for us. Throughout history, we are a professional organization shaped by activities they consider 'outside our purpose.' Because we have brothers and sisters who say, 'There is no economizing on freedom.' We have walked these paths together with those we struggle alongside who say, 'There is no economizing on health.' We know that when there is no freedom, justice, or democracy, there is no possibility for a society to be healthy. Therefore, beyond those purposes defined for us, we are also fighting for freedoms with the awareness of our duty to protect public health. We are also fighting for democracy. We are fighting for justice, and above all, for peace. Without peace, there is no possibility for people to survive or lead a healthy life. We all see what is happening in Gaza right before our eyes. It is the responsibility of all of us not just to watch these events, but to fight for them."

News Source: 12punto