Police Attacks Unionists

A number of union members and executives were injured in a police attack when they attempted to hold a press conference in protest of layoffs. Witnesses say injuries result of gas bombs. Turkeys Transport Workers Union has condemned attack.

İzmir

A press conference scheduled to be held by executives and members of the Izmir branch of Turkey's Transport Workers Union (Nakliyat-Is) was attacked by police using gas bombs and there were many injured in the incident including union leaders.

Nakliyat-Is Union headquarters issued a written statement after the incident protesting the police intervention.

The incident was sparked by an industrial dispute stemming from the layoff of 35 workers after 330 workers joined Nakliyat-Is following a purchase of their employing company Tansas A-Lojistik by Koc Holding.

While protesting workers refused to enter the premises, employers brought 200 workers from outside to break the strike. Yet after the workers talked together, those coming from outside refused to work too.

In the wake of these developments, union executives and members scheduled a press conference for July 25 to be held in fronf ot the Tansas depot where the police intervened using gas bombs. As result of the intervention, many people including union leaders, were injured. (KO/II/YE)