In the wake of the privatization of the monopoly, the workers began a protest in Ankara, which has now entered its 54th straight day, demanding that the government transfer them to other public institutions with their personal rights preserved. The government, in response, offered the workers the choice of either resigning to receive severance pay or switching to a temporary employment program under Article 4/C, the conditions for which were recently improved by the government.
Türk-İş led a strike across the country on Thursday in support of Tekel workers.
The number of Tekel workers who agreed to switch to 4/C has now reached 450, while some 6,000 have decided to resign and receive severance pay, which will vary between TL 20,000 and TL 80,000. Observers argue that Türk-İş administration also agrees that the situation has come to an impasse and should be addressed as soon as possible. The union has reportedly started meeting with government officials to bring the issue to a conclusion. Officials from Türk-İş told Today’s Zaman that the situation cannot continue any longer and that they have asked Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Chairman Salih Kapusuz to contribute to a solution. Türk-İş requested that Kapusuz visit Tekel workers, who are continuing their protest in front of Türk-İş headquarters, and discuss a solution.
With the recent improvements in 4/C conditions, temporary employment was increased to 12 months from the previous 11 months. After working for a full year in a public institution, workers dismissed from privatized public firms will have the opportunity to receive severance pay from the state. In addition to this, workers employed under 4/C will be able to take a longer annual leave and enjoy an increase in their salaries. Meanwhile, speaking at a meeting organized by his party in İstanbul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated that the government is not considering stepping down on the Tekel issue. The prime minister once again called on Tekel workers not be deceived by provocations and to return to their homes.
Meanwhile several workers who started a hunger strike on Wednesday ended their strike yesterday. Some others said they would continue to hunger strike until a solution is reached. Meanwhile Tek Gıda İş General Secretary Macit Yamaç claimed on Friday that the state-run Vakıfbank paid the severance pay of some 200 Tekel workers without notifying them in advance. Speaking to reporters in Ankara, Amaç said, “Our friends realized they had been paid already, although they did not make such a request.”
