Petrol-İş Declares Strike at Reckitt Benckiser: Production Halted in Tuzla as Workers Stand United for Fair Wages!

ISTANBUL/TUZLA – On Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025, alarms sounded at the Istanbul/Tuzla factory of multinational hygiene and home products giant Reckitt Benckiser. 80 members organized by the Petrol-İş Union initiated a strike, halting production after collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations reached an impasse for months. Petrol-İş members and branch executives gathered in front of the factory, displaying a banner reading "Strike at This Workplace," signaling the start of their rightful struggle, while union management once again called on the employer for a fair agreement.

As a new chapter unfolds in Turkey's labor struggle history, Petrol-İş Union and Reckitt Benckiser workers have launched a resistance, demanding "wages for a humane life" amidst escalating economic conditions. Reckitt Benckiser, a UK-headquartered multinational company with over 40,000 employees worldwide, is a key player in the home and hygiene products sector. However, at its Tuzla factory, where Petrol-İş has been organized for approximately 30 years, the rightful demands of 80 employees remained unanswered.

Five Months of Negotiations Reach Deadlock: Employer's Offer Fails to Meet Demands

The new term collective bargaining agreement negotiations between Petrol-İş Union and Reckitt Benckiser commenced on January 17, 2025. Despite lasting approximately five months and involving nine meetings, the last of which was on Thursday, May 22, no consensus could be reached on wages and social rights.

Union officials stated that the employer's offer fell short of preserving their members' living standards in the face of rising cost of living and inflation. As a result, Petrol-İş exercised its legal right to strike, enthusiastically declaring the strike at the Tuzla factory at 08:00 AM this morning.

Enthusiasm and Determination at the Strike Site: "We Demand Fair Wages, Not Excess!"

At the strike site, Benckiser employees demonstrated strong solidarity, joined by Istanbul No. 2 Branch executives and representatives from other workplaces organized by the union. Niyazi Recepkethüda, General Secretary for Organization and Education from the General Headquarters Management, was also present with the workers on the first day of the strike.

In his speech, Niyazi Recepkethüda began by greeting the members and stated that Petrol-İş has never shied away from struggle, and would conduct both negotiations and resistance effectively. He emphasized that Benckiser workers are demanding not more than what is due, but a fair wage and rights to sustain themselves against current living conditions, noting that the employer's unconstructive stance led the process to a strike. Niyazi Recepkethüda stressed that Petrol-İş Union, with all its organizational strength, stands with the Benckiser workers and invited the employer to return to the negotiation table, urging them to consider the employees' demands. Recepkethüda concluded his speech wishing success for the strike.

Istanbul No. 2 Branch President Engin Bedir, in his address, highlighted the importance of unity and collective action. He stated that Benckiser workers have embarked on a new path with their rightful demands against the prevailing economic conditions, emphasizing that this struggle will grow stronger through solidarity. Following enthusiastic speeches accompanied by slogans, a large banner reading "Strike at This Workplace" was hung at the factory entrance.

Images from the strike site clearly depicted the workers' initial excitement, enthusiasm, and unwavering determination. With the message "Our members are resolute, no compromise on the struggle," Petrol-İş Union expressed its hope that this strike would be beneficial for its members and its entire organization. This strike once again demonstrated the firm resolve of the labor movement in Turkey in its fight for rights.