Workers in the Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) in Gaziantep, one of Turkey's southeastern provinces, are outraged by the low pay raises imposed on them. In some factories, workers have started protests. These included Koza Halı, Şireci Cotton and Şireci Acrylic. Sanko-affiliated Asko Tekstil workers were the first to react to the imposition of a low raise. The work stoppage both at Koca Carpet and Şireci, which employs about 2,000 workers, resulted in a victory
Here are the developments at the Şireci factory...
WORKERS WALK OFF THE JOB AFTER REJECTING MISERY PAY RAISE
Şireci Textile workers, who refused to accept the misery raise, stopped work on August 8. The workers demanded a 40 percent raise against the boss who gave a 34 percent raise. The news spread that Şireci Cotton workers revolted against the raise given by the boss. In the 4th and 5th plants of Şireci Cotton, located in Gaziantep 5th Organized Industrial Zone, workers stopped production and walked out. In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd plants, production was also stopped as the salaries were not paid at the desired level. Workers at Şireci Cotton's 4th and 5th plants came together with workers at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd plants. Following the Şireci Cotton workers, Şireci Acrylic workers in the 3rd OSB also walked out, refusing to accept the 34 percent increase in salaries. Worker representatives from 5 enterprises of Şireci Cotton in Gaziantep 5th OSB came to Şireci Acrylic in 3rd OSB and met with the workers. Production has completely stopped at Şireci.
WORKERS DISMISSED FROM WORK
On the second day of the resistance, while the bosses started threatening "We will start a legal process" to divide the workers, the workers gave the message "Our demand is clear, give us our rights, we are here until we get our rights" and did not step back.
Approximately 2 thousand workers working in the factories of Şireci Tekstil were dismissed with messages sent to their cell phones. Upon this, more than a thousand workers gathered at the 3rd Organized Industrial Zone in Başpınar and wanted to march to the city center. However, police with TOMAs confronted the workers and prevented the march. The workers chanted "Work, bread, freedom", "Long live our honorable struggle" and protested the dismissals with claps and whistles. The workers stated that they would continue their protest.
The workers say that this is an attempt to intimidate them. Stating that they were threatened to call a notary before, the workers reminded that the factory shuttles did not take the workers home. Emphasizing that they will maintain their unity against the pressure, the workers say that no one will leave the factory, including the workers who received the dismissal message. They say that they will also protect their fellow workers who have received a dismissal message.
BİRTEK-SEN UNION WAS WITH THE WORKERS
Since the beginning of the protest, representatives of the United Textile, Weaving and Leather Workers Union (BİRTEK-SEN) have been with the workers in front of Şireci. BİRTEK-SEN Chair Mehmet Türkmen emphasized that the workers' action was justified and stated that they would see who was for and who was against the workers in this action. Türkmen called on all Başpınar workers to organize under a single roof and received support from the workers throughout the entire process.
UNION CHAIR DETAINED, BOSS UNTOUCHED
2,000 Şireci workers started a work stoppage, which grew even bigger after the boss unlawfully dismissed the workers. After the workers wanted to march, BİRTEK-SEN Chair Mehmet Türkmen was detained in front of the factory on the grounds that Şireci Tekstil boss Ahmet Şireci filed a complaint. Türkmen was released soon.
EMEP Deputy Chairperson and Gaziantep MP Sevda Karaca announced that Türkmen filed a complaint against Şireci boss Ahmet Şireci for "obstructing union work and preventing him from exercising his constitutional right to demonstrate and march". However, no action was taken against the boss following the complaint.
TWO MP'S, TWO ATTITUDES
Sevda Karaca supported the workers struggling in Başpınar Organized Industrial Zone during the protest. Karaca said, "Workers' struggle for a decent wage and a decent life is spreading in Antep. We stand with the workers' struggle. We will raise this voice, this struggle!"
While there has been a lot of support for the workers' struggle for their rights, Mehmet Mustafa Gürban, Gaziantep MP of IYI Party, one of the opposition parties, made reactionary statements about the protest of Şireci workers. Describing those who came to support the workers' protests as "some political groups trying to provoke", Gürban called on the workers struggling for their rights to quit the protests. He insulted citizens who reacted against him.
WORKERS' RESISTANCE RESULTED IN VICTORY
The strike of 2,000 Şireci workers against the imposition of a low raise ended with a victory today (August 14). A compromise was reached between the workers and the boss, who steadfastly defended their demands. The workers, who demanded 15,500 liras (573 USD) per month, agreed on a net monthly salary of 15,000 liras (555 USD) plus a 300 liras (11 USD) continuity premium. 1500 liras (55 USD) will be paid for Sunday overtime. Workers will receive a bonus of 2,500 (92 USD) liras every holiday. The boss will cover 3 out of 6 days spent outside. Workers were also promised food aid and that no worker would be fired and those who were fired would be taken back.
Ceren Sözeri
Yusuf Karadaş
Aras Coşkuntuncel