TES-İŞ Protests in Front of Parliament: Yatağan and Kemerköy Workers Say "We Are Here for National Energy and Employment"

Ankara – The Energy, Water, and Gas Workers' Union of Turkey (TES-İŞ) organized a press conference and a one-hour sit-in protest in front of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) for workers from the Yatağan, Yeniköy, and Kemerköy thermal power plants. The workers sought a solution to potential employment crises and coal supply issues that could lead to layoffs. Union officials and workers called for the protection of the country's national energy resources and the securing of the future of approximately 5,000 employees.

"We Are in Front of Parliament for Bread, Labor, and the Future"

During the protest, held while an energy omnibus bill was being discussed in Parliament, TES-İŞ Yatağan Branch President Fatih Erçelik gave a press statement. "So that the energy of Milas, Yatağan, and Turkey is not extinguished... We are here for bread, for labor, for the future," said Erçelik, stating that the workers had come together to protect both their current employment and the country's energy independence. Erçelik also delivered a message of unity, saying, "We will produce together, we will grow together."

TES-İŞ President Kabaloğlu: "We Will Both Protect the Environment and Develop Employment"

İrfan Kabaloğlu, the General President of TES-İŞ, who came to support the protest, made important statements regarding the mining law at a press conference held at the union building. Kabaloğlu emphasized that a balance could be achieved between environmental protection and energy production, stating, "We will both protect the environment, protect the olive trees, extract the minerals, and develop employment."

Kabaloğlu criticized groups that oppose the extraction of the country's underground resources, saying that these groups are disregarding the future of nearly 5,000 workers. He pointed out that a large part of Turkey's energy needs are met with foreign sources, stating, "The country needs national energy. Unfortunately, nearly 70% of our country generates energy with foreign-sourced elements." Kabaloğlu also warned that if Turkey does not use its domestic coal, it could face energy shortages similar to those experienced by Spain and Portugal, as coal is a strategic energy source for the country.

Response to the Olive Tree Debate

Addressing the debate over relocating olive trees in the Muğla region, Kabaloğlu stated that olive trees can be moved and that more beautiful social and green spaces are created in their place. He emphasized that the union is environmentally sensitive in every aspect, but also a labor organization. "We are not going to allow anyone to darken the future of our nearly 5,000 friends here," he said. "If we do not extract our underground resources because we are afraid of environmental damage, we will be permanently dependent on foreign countries. I want them to know this."