Türk Tractor Workers' Reaction to Türk Metal: "You Can't Sit at the Table with 38 Percent, Renew the Draft!"

ANKARA - The 38.97 percent raise offer announced by the Turkish Metal Union ahead of the upcoming collective bargaining talks with the Turkish Metal Industrialists' Union (MESS) was met with great disappointment and reaction, especially among Türk Traktör workers. Workers said that in the current economic conditions, this rate is far from covering the cost of living and called on the union to redraft the draft. According to Evrensel, the accumulated anger and anxiety inside the factory increases distrust of the union's stance.

"Our Expectations are Very High, the Rate is Very Low"

An experienced worker who has been working at Türk Traktör for many years stated that the announced raise rate is one-third of even last year's draft contract and said, "This rate is very bad. At a time when inflation is doubling and the cost of living is unstoppable, coming to the table with this rate is not taking the workers seriously." At the same time, distrust in the union was also expressed, with one worker saying, "The union is doing nothing but stalling its members. In an environment where everyone is looking for a job, should we leave all our years of labor and go?" summarized the current situation. The fact that the possibility of leaving the factory with compensation is open is seen as a threat that prevents workers from raising their voices.

High Tendency to "Change Jobs" Among Young Workers

Young workers atTürk Traktör say they find it hard to believe the announced rate of increase. One young worker said, "How can we sit at the table with this rate? It should have been at least 60 percent so that we could at least get 50 percent of it," while another, recalling the intense and exhausting working conditions, said, "So much sweat is poured. If it were at least 80 percent, it would be worth it to some extent." Among young workers, there is a high tendency to quit and look for other opportunities if the contract does not meet expectations.

Inflation and the Tax Burden are Bending the Waist

Workers say that in addition to the low rate of increase, the inflation difference and tax cuts are also eroding their wages. Stating that a significant portion of the 25 percent raise demanded by the union will go to taxes and the net amount remaining will be very low, the workers said, "No matter how much raise we get, the tax will also break our backs," and expressed that the cost is getting harder with the increasing tax burden.

Families Worried: "Winter is Here, I Couldn't Make Any Preparations"

Contracts are not only a concern for workers, but also for their families. A worker's wife complained about rising school costs and not being able to allocate enough budget for children's social activities, while another woman said she could not do anything to prepare for the winter and that economic conditions made it impossible to even manage. The fact that the children's festivals and social aids previously organized by the factory are no longer sufficient increases the reaction of the families.

This painful process marked the beginning of a period of uncertainty and anxiety for Türk Traktör workers and their families. Workers expect the union to take a stronger stance and revise the draft taking into account these reactions.

Source: universal.net