Birleşik Metal-İş Issues Strong Protest Against Forest Fires: "THK Planes Must Be Nationalized, 2B Application Halted"

Bilecik, Izmir, Hatay – Following the recent forest fires in Bilecik, İzmir, Hatay, and various other regions, the Birleşik Metal-İş (United Metal Workers Union) released a statement sharply criticizing the government. The union pointed to inadequacies in fire intervention, the proposed sale of Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) aircraft, and the controversial "2B" land use application, demanding comprehensive measures and policies prioritizing public interest.

Birleşik Metal-İş highlighted that the fires, which intensified in the last days of June, are not just destroying the present but also the future. The union’s statement severely criticized the lack of preparedness and management deficiencies in combating the blazes.

The union recalled the effective use of THK's firefighting aircraft years ago, expressing strong disapproval over their decommissioning and recent offering for sale. It was emphasized that these actions have significantly reduced Turkey's capacity to respond to forest fires.

Birleşik Metal-İş noted that transparent information regarding the Forest General Directorate's aircraft rental tenders has not been provided. The statement stressed the importance of modernizing and reactivating aircraft acquired with public funds, suggesting that modernizing THK planes at TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries) could offer a quick and cost-effective solution.

The union also highlighted coordination problems, equipment shortages, and insufficient personnel in fire response efforts, stating that the lack of expert cadres in firefighting exacerbated the scale of the disaster.

The "2B" land application, which opens forest areas to construction, also drew strong criticism from the union. Birleşik Metal-İş asserted that selling these areas after fires indicates a motivation driven by profit rather than public good.

The statement reminded the public that forests are not merely trees but complex ecosystems hosting hundreds of species and regulating air and water balance. Their destruction was condemned as a profound irresponsibility towards future generations.

Birleşik Metal-İş Union put forth the following demands:

• Nationalization and modernization of THK's firefighting aircraft to be reinstated into service.

• Addressing infrastructure and equipment deficiencies in fire-affected regions, and strengthening teams in terms of number and qualifications.

• Halting the "2B" application, reforesting burned areas, and securing them with legal guarantees.

• Thorough investigation of negligence and faults causing the fires, and holding those responsible accountable before the judiciary.

• Redressing the grievances of citizens who lost their homes, farmlands, and animals in the fires.

Finally, the statement concluded with a call for public action, asserting, "Protecting nature, forests, and all living beings is not only the government's but our common responsibility," and demanded forest policies that prioritize public interest, emphasizing the preventable nature of forest fires.