Local Shopkeepers in Kadikoy: We can't make ends meet, we want our lives back

The workers of local shops and service sector which have been shut down due to restrictions imposed following the pandemic are struggling further to make ends meet. We spoke to the local shops in Kadikoy (in Istanbul) which was once the most vibrant place in Istanbul before the pandemic about their experience and demands. 

Before the last restrictions, shopkeepers in Kadikoy were the first to take the hit (of the pandemic) along with its waiters / waitresses and are in a difficult situation. Local shop owners and staff in Kadikoy have expressed their frustration and that their life has come to a halt. 1000 Turkish Lira (TL) support for loss of income and 750 TL support to cover rent is farcical states shopkeepers when you compare it against the total outgoings. Furthermore unregistered (freelance) musicians and staff have not been able to benefit from this small scale of support offered.

Local shops and their workers have called for stores to be re-opened with the appropriate pandemic precautions, and for support for these sector groups to prevent shops from closing and to enable them to provide for their families. 

"PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN, SHOPS SHOULD BE OPENED"

In Kadikoy, Istanbul, musicians and workers in the industry are trying to get their voices heard. Local business associations, Cafe Bar Workers Solidarity, Off Licences Platform, Hotel and Tourism Workers Trade Union, Istanbul Tourism and Chefs Association have jointly called a demonstration at Kadikoy Rihtim at 17:00. Their slogan is "On the 45th day of the restrictions, WE CANNOT MAKE ENDS MEET, WE WANT OUR LIVES! Precautions should be taken and shops should be opened!"