Resistance Continues, Additional Demands Being Met at Avon

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It is the 32nd day of the resistance of the workers who state that they have been laid off for being union members at Gebze storehouse of US-based Avon cosmetic company

The firm has been operating in Turkey as of 1993. As many as 150 people of whom are predominantly women work in the storehouse.

Eight workers were laid off on May 19. Much as the firm claims the discharges have nothing to do with the union, works insist that they were laid off for being member of the Storehouse and Port Workers Union (DGD-Sen).

They have four demands to end the resistance; the subcontractor shall withdraw, those discharged shall be taken back, all workers shall become Avon’s staff and a contract shall be signed with the union.

“It is now carpeted and toilets are fixed”

Avon worker Eylem Görgü talking to bianet has said even though they haven’t been hired back, their additional demands have started to be met.

“Other than the four main demands, we have had additional demands as to the labor conditions. Druing this period, the toilets were very dirty, and now fixed. Maintenance work is being carried out in the cafeteria. Earlier our fellows were going to the hospital by their own means, now they are taken to hospital by taxi. The ground was feeling very firm since we are working on foot the whole day, now it is carpeted. Promotion wages have been brought back as well. All these happened thanks to public pressure. The women have made themselves heard”.

About Avon

Founded 130 years ago, Avon describes itself on its official website as “a company in which women work for beauty, renovation, optimism and above all work for women”.

Avon had annual sales of $10.0 billion worldwide in 2013.

The company operating in Turkey since 1993 expresses that it sells more than 10 lipsticks per day. (NV/TK)