Mass Layoff at DeFacto: 450 Workers Dismissed

The ready-to-wear brand DeFacto has laid off 450 workers, including headquarters and warehouse employees, on the grounds of "downsizing". The company reportedly took extraordinary security measures to prevent workers from gathering together during the layoff process.

Workers Treated "Like Empty Carboys"

According to the news in Sözcü newspaper, DeFacto, which laid off more than 200 workers in its stores a few months ago, this time targeted its employees in headquarters and warehouses. The company first imposed office obligations on its employees who work from home, and then suddenly decided to dismiss them. One worker expressed his shock by saying, "We learned that we were fired with a phone call one evening." An accounting specialist who has been working in the company for 9.5 years said, "We were thrown out of the door like an empty carboy when the schools opened, plans and expenses were made."

Obstacles to Trade Union Activities and Legal Struggle

The news report claimed that on the day of the mass layoffs, the company brought in additional security to prevent workers from organizing and did not allow them to come together. It was stated that the dismissed employees are preparing to organize in WhatsApp groups and file a collective reinstatement lawsuit.

On the other hand, although there is no union organization within the company, it was noteworthy that the employment contract includes the unilateral termination clause for conducting union activities.

Employment Loss in Textile Sector Continues

The loss of employment in the garment and textile sector was another important point emphasized in the report. In the first half of 2025, more than 3,000 companies closed and nearly 56,000 workers became unemployed.

Source: universal.net