Stating that their wages have already melted down due to increasing inflation, the depreciation of the Turkish Liras, and tax deductions, the metal workers said, "We want justice in income and taxes" in their actions at factories and workplaces.

The workers, who took an action by saying "We just want a living wage” at the factories where Birleşik Metal İş (United Metalworkers' Union) is organised, continued their actions.

Claiming that the economy has risen day by day according to the government, but their practice is not like this say the workers, "The only thing that is increasing for broad segments of the public, especially the working class, is unemployment, high prices, bills, debts, hikes... The winter of 2022 will be marked by high cost and unemployment. Literally the black winter awaits all country".

PEOPLE WHO SAY "WE CAN'T MANAGE" WANT SOLUTIONS

Highlighting that Turkey has become a country where workers pay higher taxes than employers, workers said, "while the public struggle with unemployment and financial difficulties during the pandemic, the tax debts of a handful of privileged companies are reset, and these companies are supported by İŞKUR (Turkish Unemployment Agency) and SGK (Social Security Institution) resources. While unemployment rate is breaking records in the country, most of the Unemployment Insurance Fund resources that belong to the workers are transferred to the employers. Workers, labourers, unemployed, retirees, SMEs, farmers, people in low-income, in other words, most of the public is tired of injustices. Those who say 'we can't get along' want a solution.

LET'S ORGANIZE AGAINST THIS SYSTEM

Calling for urgent measures to defend the bread of the public against the black winter of 2022, the workers said, “Justice should be provided in income and taxes! We call on the rulers of the country to take urgent measures for taking a breather in these days when push comes to shove. We ask that why the Presidential Decrees that were issued overnight for the sake of three or five companies, were not issued for the millions struggling with hunger and poverty. We warn the political power, which has a habit of drawing rosy pictures, and we call on concrete measures to be taken for the bread of the public who cry out that they cannot make a living while the 2022 budget and minimum wage are determined."

METAL WORKERS HAVE MADE THE FOLLOWING CALL TO ALL WORKERS:

“We need to organize against this unjust system and exploitation; we need to be unionized and seek our rights! We as workers can win by coming together, giving shoulder to shoulder, and organizing! We will expand our struggle and organization from workplace to workplace, street to street, square to square! We will build a system by shoulder to shoulder, which offers jobs, bread and a secure future for everyone.”

Urgent Demands of Workers:

Metal workers listed their urgent demands as follows:

1. For the minimum wage and all wages equal to the minimum wage, all taxes and deductions should be zeroed and paid net. Thus, all wages will be increased by approximately 750 Turkish liras.
2. The tariff rate applied to the first tax bracket after the minimum wage should be reduced to 10 percent.
3. The tax base income brackets should be increased according to the national income.
4. The lowest pension should be raised to the minimum wage level.
5. Electricity, water, natural gas, and internet bills should be exempt from taxes and deductions. Zero VAT on all food products. (EVRENSEL DAILY)