Police prevent automotive workers' march from İstanbul to Ankara

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Workers of the Mara Automotive factory gathered today (March 27) in the Tuzla district on İstanbul's outskirts to march to Ankara, the capital, as part of their protests for improved conditions.

The police prevented the march by surrounding the workers in the Leather and Industry Free-Trade Zone.

Members of the Birleşik Metal-İş union, which is affiliated with the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), stopped production on February 27 after the employers refused to meet their demands.

Mata Automotive manufactures parts for high-end car brands such as Tesla, Bentley, Jaguar and Audi.

On the first day of the protests, the employers locked the toilets to prevent the workers from using them. They also allegedly threatened the workers who joined the protests to dismiss them without compensation.

The resisting workers demand occupational health and safety measures be taken in the factory, improved working conditions and an additional 25 percent wage rise. (TY/VK)