3 September, 2024As Türkiye grapples with severe economic turmoil, including soaring inflation and a sharp decline in purchasing power, a wave of strikes is sweeping across various sectors, particularly within the manufacturing industries. The latest strike has erupted at MKB Corrugated Box and Packaging in Istanbul’s Tuzla district.
On August 28, 40 workers at MKB Corrugated Box and Packaging downed their tools, demanding that the company sign a collective bargaining agreement. Organized by Seluloz-Is, an IndustriALL affiliate, the union has been working to secure fair conditions for the employees at MKB Rondo since they established a presence there two years ago. However, due to Türkiye's legal complexities, collective bargaining negotiations only commenced at the beginning of 2024.
After eight months of negotiations with progress on several fronts, three key issues remain unresolved: wage increases, with the union demanding 80 percent and the employer offering 45 percent; the establishment of a workplace disciplinary board; and the appointment of a workplace union representative, to which the employer has yet to respond.
Seluloz-Is general vice president, Kemal Yıldırım, said:
“This strike is entirely justified, our demands reflect the harsh living conditions in Türkiye. We approached this first collective bargaining process with moderation, but the employer’s refusal to compromise has left us no choice. We are right, and we will win. This is an Austrian company, and we will ensure that our voices are heard not only in Türkiye but also in Austria, particularly through our federation, IndustriALL.”
IndustriALL's paper and pulp director, Tom Grinter, expressed solidarity with the striking workers, stating:
“The demands of the workers at MKB are fair, and the company must respect their rights. Striking is always a last resort, but it is the means by which workers assert their power.”
The MKB workers’ strike is a stark reminder of the growing labour unrest in Türkiye, as workers fight to defend their rights and secure a livable future amid escalating economic hardships.