3 September, 2024Workers at Yolbulan Metal San. Tic. Inc. located in Dörtyol district of Hatay province have reached a critical milestone marking 75 days of their strike following a deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations that began in January this year. Despite ongoing efforts to reach an agreement, talks broke down, leading to a strike on June 20, 2024.
Under the current severe economic conditions with very high inflation and sharp decline in purchasing power, there are a series of strikes in different sectors in Türkiye, particularly in manufacturing industries.
The negotiations, which were part of the fourth term Collective Bargaining Agreement process, have been bogged down in disputes since the start. Led by the general president, Yunus Değirmencİ of Özçelik-is Sendikasi, an IndustriALL affiliate, the strike began with the full backing of the general board members, branch president and management, regional representatives and the 200 union members employed at Yolbulan Metal.
The strike has garnered significant community support, with local civil society organizations and regional mayors providing food aid to the striking workers. In addition to this grassroots support, the union itself has been a vital lifeline for the workers. In the first month of the strike, the union offered financial assistance to help members navigate the economic challenges posed by the walkout. The union has pledged to continue this financial aid for the duration of the strike.
Despite the efforts of the workers and the union, Yolbulan Metal’s management has yet to take any meaningful steps to address the concerns that led to the strike. As the standoff continues, the union remains committed to supporting its members both financially and morally, ensuring their resilience in the face of adversity. In the meantime, the company tries to break the strike with attempts to outsource the manufacturing, but the striking union members don’t allow those illegal acts.
“As the strike drags on, the resolve of the Yolbulan Metal workers remains unshaken. Our message is clear: we are united in the fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and respect on the job. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for labour relations in the region, making it a critical battleground for workers’ rights,”
said Yunus Değirmencİ, Özçelik-is president.
“Our full support and solidarity are with the strikers at Yolbulan Metal’s during this time. We urge management to come to the negotiating table and respect workers’ rights. Without workers’ rights there cannot be a democratic world,”
said Kemal Özkan IndustriALL assistant general secretary.
Yolbulan is a Turkish-based steel producer as listed among the 500 largest industrial companies in the country.