Workers at the Özak textile factory in Urfa, a southeastern city of Turkey, have launched a protest and strike after a woman worker was dismissed for changing her trade union. Allegedly collaborating with the employer, the workers resigned from the Öz İplik-İş union and joined the Unified Textile, Weaving, and Leather Workers Union (BİRTEK-SEN) in order to organise and demand the reinstatement of their dismissed colleague.
Labour Party (EMEP) MP Sevda Karaca, visited the ongoing protest at the Özak textile factory in the Urfa Organised Industrial Zone (OSB). During her visit, Karaca not only expressed her support for the striking workers, but also called for international solidarity with their cause.
November 28, 2023
The case of the sacked worker has attracted local and international attention, with the Clean Clothes Campaign highlighting the situation. The Özak Textile factory where the workers are on strike is involved in the production of internationally recognised brands such as Levi's. The campaign emphasised the importance of workers being free to choose their representatives and condemned the dismissal of the worker for joining another union.
November 27, 2023
The BIRTEK-SEN union also took to social media to voice its concerns and direct its message to Levi's. The union accused Levi's of remaining silent in the face of labour rights violations, highlighting that 450 workers at Özak Textile have suffered such violations and have been dismissed for choosing union representation. The union called on Levi's to take action and stand up for workers' rights.
November 27, 2023
The international campaign, aims to raise awareness and garner support for the Özak Textile workers in their struggle for fair labour practices and the reinstatement of the dismissed worker. (EVRENSEL DAILY)
Ceren Sözeri
Yusuf Karadaş
Aras Coşkuntuncel