17 November, 2009International court monitor called the hearing's outcome "outrageous".
TURKEY: Sinter Metal workers who have been fighting for reinstatement since December 2008 after they were fired for joining the union, Birlesik Metal - IS, choked back emotion after news was delivered that they must wait another four long months before a court will rule on the legality of their dismissals.
This is the third time the court has illegally stalled in making a decision that will greatly impact the lives and livelihoods of some 350 workers. Under Turkish labour law, such court cases must be resolved within two months however often industrial disputes such as the Sinter Metal case, are drawn out for years. The recent delay of the court ruling, which all parties anticipate will be in the favour of the workers, highlights the ongoing failure of the Turkish justice system to protect workers' rights.
"What took place in that courtroom today was outrageous," said Kristyne Peter from the International Metalworkers' Federation who was invited by the union to serve as an international court monitor. "It is equally outrageous that while the Turkish government claims to support democratic principles, basic democratic freedoms such as freedom of association are denied workers inside the country's factories and on the streets of Taskim on May Day. Basic labour rights must be afforded workers if Turkey wants to be a part of the European Union," Peter said addressing a crowd of union members across from the courthouse.
On the morning of November 13, some 150 Sinter Metal workers, their families and union colleagues marched through the streets of Istanbul on their way to the courthouse chanting "Justice delayed is Justice denied!" and "We are not alone! We will win!". People clapped from balconies and shop store fronts in support. Outside the courthouse, tension was palpable as workers held vigil waiting for the decision. They now face the prospect of another long cold winter at the company gates where workers have kept protest action eight hours a day, five days a week.
The IMF and European Metalworkers' Federation are actively campaigning in support of Sinter Metal workers and are urging affiliates to contribute to the Sinter Metal solidarity fund to help support the workers whose unemployment and health care benefits have been cut off since June.
For more information about the IMF/EMF joint campaign, please go to: www.imfmetal.org/SinterMetal