Özer Elektrik workers won after 130 days of resistance

The struggle of Özer Elektrik workers, who have been fighting to be reinstated for 130 days in Gebze, has yielded results.

(Around a dozen) workers were fired in late July for unionizing. However, the employer’s official reasoning was based on the article 25/2 of the Labour Code (which gives the employer the right to terminate contracts on the basis of “immoral” or “disruptive behaviour”).

The workers had joined the Gebze No.2 branch of the United Metal Workers’ Union (Birleşik Metal İş) affiliated to DİSK (Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions). During this process, the boss objected to the authority of the union.

The 130-day resistance of Özer Elektrik workers resulted in a victory.

Birleşik Metal-İş Gebze No.2 Branch Secretary Engin Kulu said, “A protocol was signed between the employer's lawyer and our union's lawyer on Friday. All claims of the workers have been taken. Article 25/2 has been removed. The obstacles in front of those who want to return to work have been removed. This decision was taken with the approval of the workers”.

Stating that the resistance is an example, Kulu said, “It took 130 days. It was also effective in this region. It has brought vitality at a time when workers have been encircled from all sides. Workers continued to resist despite facing various pressures and as a result they have won".

Kulu said they are now waiting for the finalized authorization. (EVRENSEL DAILY)