Thousands of Turkish metalworkers defy employers and government

At the end of January, an estimated 15,000 metalworkers in Turkey began a campaign to achieve a better agreement than what has been offered by employers and the government in terms of wages and conditions. The campaign involves a series of industrial actions during the month of February in factories across the country. In response, the government passed a decree banning any strikes or industrial actions declaring any action by the metalworkers as ‘prejudicial to national security’. Due to internal economic problems and the involvement in regional conflicts, the Turkish government is increasing repression against any internal opposition.

At the end of January, an estimated 15,000 metalworkers in Turkey began a campaign to achieve a better agreement than what has been offered by employers and the government in terms of wages and conditions. The campaign involves a series of industrial actions during the month of February in factories across the country. In response, the government passed a decree banning any strikes or industrial actions declaring any action by the metalworkers as ‘prejudicial to national security’. Due to internal economic problems and the involvement in regional conflicts, the Turkish government is increasing repression against any internal opposition.