Metal workers' strike in Bursa province ended. However, Ford Otosan strikes in Kocaeli and Eskişehir provinces continue.
Like laborers in Bursa, workers demanded pay rise and their resignations to be recognized by Metal Workers Trade Union of Turkey.
‘Generous’ offer form employer
Fort Otosan Corporation made a stamen related to the strike which has been going on for four days in Eskişehir province:
“In the end of May, our blue-collar workers will be paid 1000 Turkish liras as support payment. Besides, workers who start to work and maintain continuity will be paid 200 Turkish liras as prize. As before, holiday and New Year’s gift cards will be given. Workers will be paid generously in the years when things are going well.”
Is a fight for bread and butter malicious?
İsmail Demirbaş, spokesperson of workers, stated employers didn’t pay attention to workers:
"Our friends don’t want a union (Metal Workers Trade Union of Turkey) and we say ‘We are not from the union. There is no such thing as ’union’. We are from Harran (an ancient city in Urfa province in Southeast of Turkey). Our struggle will continue come rain or shine. Authorities find our fight malicious. What is malicious? Is a fight for bread and butter malicious?”
On the other hand General Manager of Ford Otosan, Haydar Yenigün, met workers who have been on strike for nine days but didn't make any statement. (NV/BD)
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