IZMIR – Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the DİSK Genel-İş Union have reached an impasse. As a result, 23,000 workers have gone on strike, leading to significant disruptions in public transportation services across the city.

Municipal Strike Begins in Izmir: 23,000 Workers Walk Out, Causing Congestion in Transportation

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the DİSK-affiliated Genel-İş Union have concluded without an agreement. Following the breakdown of talks, 23,000 workers employed by the municipality's affiliated companies began a strike this morning.

The strike, which covers workers in subsidiary companies such as İZELMAN, İZENERJİ, and Egeşehir, commenced at midnight. By the morning hours, the effects of the strike became particularly evident in the transportation sector. Due to a large portion of intra-city bus services being suspended, severe congestion formed at transfer centers and bus stops.

Search for Alternative Transportation: İZBAN, Metro, and Ferry Services Operational

Although Izmir Metropolitan Municipality announced that it had taken some measures to prevent citizens from being adversely affected during the strike, major disruptions in transportation have been experienced throughout the city since the morning. Citizens attempting to commute to work, school, or hospitals resorted to using alternative transportation methods not affected by the strike, such as İZBAN, metro, tram, and ferry services. Long queues were notably observed at transfer points.

Union Remains Resolute in Demands

Prior to the strike decision, the DİSK-affiliated Genel-İş Union had emphasized in its statements that the failure to meet their collective bargaining demands was directly linked to the workers' living conditions. Union officials stated that during the negotiation process, the municipal administration failed to adequately address the workers' expectations.

How the strike process will unfold is being closely monitored by the people of Izmir and municipal employees. Whether a new negotiation ground will be established between the parties is expected to become clear in the coming days.

Source: SonDakika.com