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The Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS) yesterday initiated a strike at the Turkey office of the Russian state media outlet Sputnik.
Following the announcement that the union would resort to a strike due to the inability to reach a consensus in collective bargaining negotiations, Sputnik dismissed 24 union members on August 7, citing "downsizing."
With the failure of the collective labor agreement and the non-reinstatement of journalists, TGS hung strike banners in Sputnik offices in İstanbul and Ankara.
To declare their decision, union members and media professionals gathered outside Süzer Plaza in İstanbul, where the Sputnik office is located.
"Our wages cannot sustain us"
Making a statement there, TGS Cresident Gökhan Durmuş emphasized that they were compelled to strike due to the "employers' insistence on deadlock despite our solution-oriented approach."
"We have had nearly 10 meetings with employer representatives. Our intention was to improve the living conditions of our members. However, the employers' imposed a deadlock and dismissed 24 of our members.
"Our country is undergoing a severe economic crisis. Our wages cannot sustain us through the middle of the month. Nevertheless, when it comes to salary increases, the Sputnik management did not provide even a single proposal throughout all our discussions. That is why we are on strike against this dismissive stance."
Journalist continuing to work
Addressing the journalists who have continued working after the dismissals, Durmuş said, "Those who continue working are the employer representatives, managers, and unfortunately, employees who are yet to grasp the importance of professional solidarity. To the employer representatives and managers, I say: If you persist in these unlawful actions, you will soon realize that this country has laws, and what you are doing is a crime.
"I address those who continue working: Whatever has been promised or offered to you is intended to break this strike. Your place is alongside the working class, alongside your colleagues on strike. No position or money holds value without professional solidarity. To my colleagues who do not have permanent positions and host programs, I say: Do not host programs, do not break the strike. This goes against ethics, laws, and professional principles."
"Strikebreakers"
Highlighting the employment of Turkish citizens by Sputnik in Moscow Durmuş claimed that the employers intend to break the strike. He addressed those newly hired employees, saying, "Do not cover news related to Turkey, do not act as strikebreakers. You will certainly need solidarity too. Your place is alongside your colleagues on strike."
Durmuş also urged the readership of Sputnik, "Do not abandon the journalists who have been producing quality work for you for years; show your solidarity."
Expressing their belief in the successful outcome of the strike, Durmuş concluded, "This strike belongs to all journalists in Turkey who work under precarious conditions and low wages." Following his remarks, the employees hung a banner displaying the strike decision. (RT/VK)
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