Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), has sent a letter to Jacek Olczak, Global CEO of Philip Morris (Marlboro) International, asking for the reinstatement of workers dismissed for being members of DİSK-affiliated Gıda-İş and for the union to be recognised.

Burrow, General Secretary of ITUC, which represents 332 trade union confederations, including Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), and 200 million workers from 163 countries, reminded that the violation of trade union rights is contrary to international conventions and international standards accepted by the company.

"According to our members, workers at the factory suffer from wages below the poverty line, long working hours and discrimination. They are also subjected to anti-union practices such as reassignment and forced resignation from the union. We have been informed that 124 workers who are members of DİSK, including workplace representatives, were dismissed for participating in union activities."

"YOUR BEHAVIOUR IS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS"

"Trade union rights are guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) guarantee freedom of association for all workers and the effective exercise of the right to collective bargaining. The ILO defines the dismissal of workers for union membership or union activities as a violation of freedom of association."

Stating that the statements on Philip Morris' website indicate that the company advocates the standards and principles set out in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, Burrow said: "Unfortunately, your company's actions are contrary to OECD principles and other international conventions. We invite you to reinstate the dismissed workers, to cease anti-union activities, and to begin talks with DISK in constructive social dialogue. We also call on you to take the necessary steps to start collective bargaining negotiations with the union." (EVRENSEL DAILY)