KESK's Critical Contacts in Izmir Ahead of Collective Bargaining

İzmir - The Confederation of Public Employees' Trade Unions (KESK) carried out intensive organizing activities in Izmir ahead of the approaching negotiations for the 8th Term Collective Bargaining Agreement. The KESK delegation, consisting of KESK Education-Organization and Press-Publication Secretary Sema Pınar, Financial Secretary Erdal Karakuş and Work Branch FMC members, visited workplaces, labor-professional organizations and political parties to discuss the demands and struggle strategies of public workers.

"The CBA Table is One-Sided, Collusion is Playing Out!"

The KESK delegation issued a press statement after its meetings in Izmir, criticizing the upcoming collective bargaining process. The Confederation emphasized that the current collective bargaining table is a "one-sided table in favor of the government and its supporters". The statement claimed that the collective bargaining processes were being hijacked from public laborers and the public and that "collusion" was being played out. KESK stated that the rights of public laborers are "given with a spoon and taken back with a ladle" and called on all laborers to "claim our rights, our law and it is time to unite."

Izmir Seeks Common Ground for Struggle

The KESK delegation met with employees at many workplaces and listened to their problems as part of their visit to Izmir. They also held meetings with other labor and professional organizations and political party representatives in the city. During these visits, views were exchanged on what can be done to strengthen the ground for the struggle for the 8th Term Collective Bargaining Agreement together and to identify the common demands of public workers. Through these contacts, the union stated that it aims to create a common platform for a broad-based struggle.

Requests Shared with the Public

After the visits, KESK's demands for collective bargaining were shared with the public in a press statement. KESK's main demands include the improvement of wages that are eroding in the face of inflation, guaranteed employment, job security, abolition of drudgery, reflection of all additional payments to retirement and expansion of trade union rights and freedoms. The confederation also announced that if these demands are not met, public laborers will increase their protests. KESK also stated that public laborers expect the support of all social segments in their just struggle.