Türk-İş Issues Strike Ultimatum to Government: "If Demands Are Not Met by July 15, We Will Take a Strike Decision!"

Ankara – Ergün Atalay, President of Türk-İş, one of Turkey's largest labor confederations, has announced that public sector workers will take drastic action if their long-standing demands for wage increases are not met. Addressing the public and the government with strong messages, Atalay stated, "We have no other recourse," emphasizing that workers' patience has run out and that a general strike decision will be taken if demands are not met by July 15.

Negotiation Table Stalled, Workers Take to the Streets

Speaking at a press conference held on June 26, 2025, in front of the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) Regional Directorate in Diyarbakır, attended by union executives and numerous workers, Ergün Atalay stated that the government has remained "indifferent" during the collective bargaining framework protocol negotiations covering public sector workers. Atalay, noting that Türk-İş has raised its voice nationwide as part of its action plan, used the phrase, "We don't have a passion for protest, but we have no other recourse left," signaling that if no agreement is reached at the negotiation table, more severe actions will be taken on the ground. Atalay's strong remarks reflect the deep disappointment of public sector workers whose economic expectations have not been met.

"If the Table is Silent, the Field Will Speak!"

In his speech, Atalay warned the government and relevant ministries with the words, "We explained our difficulties to the public. If the table is silent, the field will speak." He drew attention to the severe economic hardships faced by minimum wage earners, retirees, women, and people with disabilities, emphasizing that these problems cannot be ignored. Referring to the high cost of living and income inequality in the country, he asked, "The salary is 40,000 lira, rent is 25,000. Who can make ends meet under these conditions?" highlighting the desperation of public sector workers.

Workplace Fatalities and Unfair Wages

Atalay's speech not only addressed wage demands but also significant problems concerning occupational health and safety, recalling that an average of 4 workers lose their lives every day in Turkey. He stressed that these deaths are "workplace murders" (iş cinayeti), not merely "work accidents." Atalay also drew attention to the situation of young people who have been waiting for jobs in the public sector for years and are not starting due to current wages that make it impossible to get by. Stating that public sector workers' wages are only slightly above the minimum wage, Atalay said, "It's hard to get by for 10 days. The state continues to ignore the reasonable demands of public sector workers. This disturbs us. If our peace is disturbed, everyone's peace will be disturbed," reminding that worker peace is fundamental to public order.

July 15: Deadline for Strike Decision

Addressing the government and especially President Erdoğan directly, Türk-İş President Ergün Atalay called on the Ministries of Labor and Treasury and Finance to "bring a reasonable offer as soon as possible." Stating that they have 3 more action deadlines ahead, Atalay set a clear date, saying, "If our demands are not met by July 15, we will take a strike decision." This statement indicates that public sector workers are at the final stage of exercising their right to strike, bringing the possibility of a general strike, which could lead to disruptions in public services, onto the agenda.

Türk-İş's determined stance signals that the demands for wages and rights of public sector workers will come to the forefront even more intensely in the coming days.

Source: Odatv.com