15 Renault Workers Detained

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Police have attacked on workers fired from Bursa Renault and a group of workers backing them, 15 workers have been detained.

Shift of the workers working at 24/8 shift, and others working at 8/16 shift have been cancelled, and that production has been halted by the employer, and 10 workers have been fired.

The workers have been staging act for some time now to have the increase in minimum wage be reflected on their salary, and having right to elect their own representative.

Following the sack of 10 workers, workers have started to work in front of the factory. According to United Metal Labor Union, the workers waiting in front of the factory were battered and 15 workers have been taken into custody.

Workers working at 08/16 shift have been taken into the factory.

What had happened?

According to the union, following the protests in metal sector, Renault workers have decided to organize under the umbrella of United Metal Labor Union. 4,000 workers of Renault employing over 5,000 workers have affiliated to the union.

The union added based on Article 6356 of the related law that Renault workers resigned from Türk Metal Union and have affiliated to United Metal Labor Union. However, Türk Metal Union continues its existence as authorized union on paper only.

The union expressing that this situation is contrary to international treaties, reminded that an agreement has been reached with respect to election of the workers under the name of “Social Dialogue Committee” on February 29 within the scope of talks initiated between Renault and United Metal Labor Union.

The union in its statement claimed that Renault administration have threatened workers with firing and punishing them by calling them to not attend election of dialogue committee.

The union announced that the shift was cancelled today and that 10 workers have been fired. (NV/TK)