At Least 4 Workers Lose Their Lives, 257 Workers Test Positive

* Photo: Mezopotamya Agency (MA)

Click to read the article in Turkish

The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey Research Center (DİSK-AR) has released its first report on the effects of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak on its members across Turkey.

Assessing the impacts of the outbreak where the DİSK member unions and the DİSK are organized, the report will be updated on a weekly basis.

Underlining that workers are forced to choose between their health and job, the DİSK-AR report has indicated, "A series of measures need to be introduced for struggle against the virus not only in terms of medicine and public health, but in social sphere as well."

Emphasizing that the Covid-19 outbreak has caused a serious economic contraction and led workers to lose their jobs and incomes, the report has shared the following findings:

• Over 51,000 DİSK members have been directly affected by the health and social risks posed by Covid-19.
• As of April 15, the number of members who lost their lives due to Covid-19 has increased to four.
• At least 257 DİSK member workers have tested positive.
• The number of quarantined workers is at least 407.
• While production has been halted in 47 workplaces where the DİSK is organized, it has affected 11,079 DİSK members.
• DİSK members have used their right to abstain from work in nine workplaces. The number of DİSK members who have used this right is at least 1,005.
• At least 70 members have been dismissed due to Covid-19
• 108 workplaces and factories where the DİSK is organized applied for short-time work allowance, which would affect 27,448 workers. The number of workplaces whose applications have been accepted is 49 and the number of DİSK members to benefit from it is 11,845.
• While working from home has been adopted by 67 workplaces where the DİSK is organized, it covers 5,946 DİSK member workers.

* Click here to read the full report (in Turkish)

(HA/SD)