News Article: 'Turks Are Not Slaves!' - Baytur Construction Workers in Saudi Arabia Allege Wage and Rights Violations

MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA – Over 600 workers, including approximately 150 from Turkey, employed by the Baytur company on the "Mashar" project in Mecca, have gone on strike. They allege that they have not been paid their wages for 10 months and that their rights have been violated. The workers, whose strike has been ongoing for 60 days, are trying to make their voices heard, calling on Turkish and Saudi Arabian authorities by declaring, "We are being forced to work like slaves; we want to return to our country."

The workers at the Mashar project in Mecca stated that they are suffering greatly due to the non-payment of their accumulated wages over a period of 10 months. They claim that the group of over 600 Turkish and Pakistani workers is being subjected to severe exploitation by the company, which has not paid their salaries or provided their entitlements.

The striking workers have brought their plight to public attention, stating that not only have their wages been withheld, but their right to return home has also been denied. They assert that they are being held against their will, which they argue is a violation of fundamental human rights.

The workers, who began their strike 60 days ago to protest the seizure of their wages and rights, emphasized that their strike will continue until their demands are met. They are supporting their protest with banners and chants, including the slogan, "Turks are not slaves!" They are calling on national and international authorities for help.

The workers have specifically appealed to the authorities of the Republic of Turkey, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to assist them. They expressed their belief that their government will not abandon them in this difficult situation abroad, and they have called for immediate diplomatic efforts to ensure the payment of their wages and their safe return home. The incident is expected to bring the issues of workers' rights and the protection of migrant workers to the forefront of international discussion once again.