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4 June, 2000Following the outright dismissal of a court case concerning trade union recognition in Turkish shipyards, the IMF will go to the ILO.
TURKEY: After a first successful court hearing in the process of regaining fundamental trade union rights for workers at the Alaybey and Pendik shipyards, Türkiye Dok, Gemi-Is (TDGI) has now been informed that the judge decided to dismiss the case. The magistrate offered no explanation for his surprise move, although an earlier hearing decided that sectoral definition had to be established by a committee of experts, who would determine which union was suitable to represent the shipyard workers.
The court's actions go not only against Turkish legislation but are also contrary to proper judicial proceedings, and it is believed that political and military interests wanted the case suppressed. The TDGI will use its right of appeal but says in such circumstances the situation looks hopeless.
When learning of this most recent breach of law in Turkey, the IMF general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, declared that it was "a blatant violation of human and trade union rights. This must be rejected and it will be rejected." The IMF is filing a strong, official complaint with the International Labour Organisation, whose Conventions Nos. 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise and Bargain Collectively have been ratified by the Turkish government. The IMF will again inform the European Commission of the shocking conduct of both the Turkish government and military, stating that Turkey, which is presently seeking membership in the European Union, should NOT be admitted as a new member.
In addition to the problems involving the Alaybey and Pendik shipyards, the government's decision to close two other shipyards, at Haliç and Camialti, remains unchanged.
Complete background information on the violation of workers' rights in Turkish shipyards can be found on the IMF website.
The court's actions go not only against Turkish legislation but are also contrary to proper judicial proceedings, and it is believed that political and military interests wanted the case suppressed. The TDGI will use its right of appeal but says in such circumstances the situation looks hopeless.
When learning of this most recent breach of law in Turkey, the IMF general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, declared that it was "a blatant violation of human and trade union rights. This must be rejected and it will be rejected." The IMF is filing a strong, official complaint with the International Labour Organisation, whose Conventions Nos. 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise and Bargain Collectively have been ratified by the Turkish government. The IMF will again inform the European Commission of the shocking conduct of both the Turkish government and military, stating that Turkey, which is presently seeking membership in the European Union, should NOT be admitted as a new member.
In addition to the problems involving the Alaybey and Pendik shipyards, the government's decision to close two other shipyards, at Haliç and Camialti, remains unchanged.
Complete background information on the violation of workers' rights in Turkish shipyards can be found on the IMF website.