Worker Slaughter Alarm in Divriği: Joint Reaction to Çiftay's "Downsizing" Excuse!

SİVAS / DİVRİĞİ - Çiftay, the mining subcontractor of Ereğli Iron and Steel Mills (ERDEMİR) in Divriği, has raised the public opinion in Divriği with an alleged dismissal move against unionized workers. A broadly participated common struggle front was established in Divriği against the company's dismissal of 18 mine workers, including DİSK/Dev Maden-Sen Representative Yücel Yalıncak, under the pretext of "downsizing."

Syndicate Representative Dismissed, Divriği Unites

After the dismissal, DİSK/Dev Maden-Sen Representative Yücel Yalıncak and other dismissed workers met with Divriği Mayor Cihan Deniz Akbaş. As a result of this meeting, all civil society organizations, trade unions and political party representatives in Divriği decided to organize a joint press statement.

The joint press statement in front of Divriğ Municipality was attended by Mayor Cihan Deniz Akbaş, DİSK/Dev. Maden-Sen Vice President Ahmet Remzi Atasoy, Union Representative Yücel Yalıncak, DİSK/Genel-İş Divriğ Representative, labor and professional organizations, political party representatives and many workers attended the event.

Tent Warning to Çiftay from Mayor Akbaş: "Ten Days!"

Speaking at the joint press statement, Divriği Mayor Cihan Deniz Akbaş issued a stern warning to the mining company, demanding "unconditional reinstatement of those who were laid off". Akbaş gave the company a 10-day deadline and sent a clear message: "We have a famous tent, don't let them put it in front of your company! The workers are ready, our tents are ready!".

President Akbaş also refuted the company's excuse of "downsizing" and said, "Will a company with a thousand workers be saved by laying off 18 people? You hired workers only a month ago! If you are in a bottleneck, then why did you buy?" he asked. Akbaş told the company, "Let the companies that collect money from the stone and soil of this country know that this country is not without owners!" and emphasized that workers add value to the land with their labor and that companies do not offer favors.

"The aim is to recruit new workers who want slavery conditions"

DİSK/Dev. In a statement, Maden-Sen said that the pretext of "downsizing" is "nothing but a deception" and that the real intention is different. According to the union, the aim is to find workers who can be employed in worse conditions and for lower wages instead of specialized mine workers who are fighting against the mine's poor working conditions and low wage policy.

The union argued that the Çiftay employer's move was "exposed" when gendarmerie and private security forces were called in front of the administrative building during the workers' exit procedures and workers were forced to sign under pressure. Dev Maden-Sen said, "We warn the Çiftay employer once again: Reversing this mistake, put an end to unjust and unlawful dismissals and immediately reinstate the dismissed workers!" he reiterated his call.

12-Member Joint Fighting Committee Established

After the press release, it was decided to establish a 12-person committee consisting of representatives of trade unions, labor and professional organizations and political parties to coordinate the struggle for the rights of the dismissed mine workers. The statement emphasized that the struggle for rights will continue with determination until the dismissals are stopped and the dismissed workers are reinstated.