EFJ Supports Sabah-ATV Strike

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) declared solidarity with the ongoing strike at Sabah daily and ATV television channel. In a written statement from Brussels, EFJ condemned Turkey for insisting on an approach of limiting basic labor rights.

"The government should declare its determination to protect basic rights. Organizing in a labor union and the right to collective bargaining are basic rights, as clearly stated in a recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights," said EFJ chair Arne Konig.

If the government fails to act up on the strike, which began on 13 February, problems would arise in Turkey's membership negotiations with the EU, Konig noted. The federation will bring issue to the agenda of the European Parliament and the European Commission.

Turkey's Trade Union of Journalists (TGS) Ercan İpekçi urged the government to intervene against "unlawful practices of employers". "Regarding the right to collective bargaining and to strike as outmoded is not tolerable." The union asked the PM to act as an intermediary to restart the bargaining between them and the employer at Sabah and ATV, Turkuvaz Holding.

Several trade unions, socialist political parties and groups gathered on April 18 to express support for the 10 workers on strike. (EÖ/AGÜ)