Joint Message from Unions on the 9th Anniversary of July 15: "Democracy, Secularism, and Public Sovereignty are Indispensable"

TÜRK-İŞ, Eğitim-İş, Eğitim-Bir-Sen, Memur-Sen, Koop-İş, Hizmet-İş, TES-İŞ, Sağlık-İş, and Birleşik Kamu-İş unions issued statements on the anniversary of July 15, emphasizing democracy, secularism, and the will of the people.

A Strong Message from Unions on the 9th Anniversary of July 15: "A Future Cannot Be Built Without Secularism and Democracy"

Nine years have passed since the coup attempt on July 15, 2016. Turkey's leading unions and confederations, in their anniversary statements, converged on a common ground from different perspectives: Democracy, the will of the people, the secular Republic, and social responsibility.

TÜRK-İŞ recalled that they stood on the side of democracy even when the outcome of the coup attempt was uncertain, stating, "We must continue on our path with a strong state-nation unity."

Eğitim-İş criticized the political choices and communal structures that paved the way for the coup, saying, "The biggest lesson to be learned from July 15 is secular and scientific education."

TES-İŞ interpreted July 15 not just as a coup attempt but as a period when union rights and labor were also threatened. It used the phrase, "Democracy is the guarantee of labor and human dignity."

Eğitim-Bir-Sen defined the coup attempt as "part of imperialist plans." The union emphasized that the weaknesses in the education system must be addressed.

Memur-Sen described July 15 as a turning point, stating, "Our nation that night stood tall not only against the putschists but also against all centers of tutelage."

Hizmet-İş commemorated the courage and determination of the people with the message, "We have not forgotten July 15, and we will not let it be forgotten."

Koop-İş stated that millions of people, women and men alike, took to the streets and wrote an epic. "We are the unyielding defenders of our Republic and our democracy," the statement read.

Sağlık-İş emphasized the will of the people demonstrated on the night of July 15. Martyrs and veterans were commemorated with gratitude.

Birleşik Kamu-İş's statement highlighted secularism, saying, "July 15 is the result of sects and religious communities infiltrating state institutions and merit being disregarded." The statement concluded, "The only solution to never again experience a July 15 is secularism."

The statements from the unions highlighted a strong emphasis on protecting democracy, the will of the people, and the fundamental values of the Republic.