New powers for Turkish President target workers

Following his successful constitutional referendum on gaining more powers for the post of President, President Erdogan, last Sunday wasted no time in promising to fight mercilessly against all his enemies. With the situation for workers already very serious such calls only promise more hard times. This week, two teachers who had been on an extended hunger strike in protest against their dismissals were arrested, as were some of their supporters the day after. In addition, the Government has once again invoked ‘National Security’ reasons to stop workers taking industrial action.

Following his successful constitutional referendum on gaining more powers for the post of President, President Erdogan, last Sunday wasted no time in promising to fight mercilessly against all his enemies. With the situation for workers already very serious such calls only promise more hard times. This week, two teachers who had been on an extended hunger strike in protest against their dismissals were arrested, as were some of their supporters the day after. In addition, the Government has once again invoked ‘National Security’ reasons to stop workers taking industrial action.