Oil Workers Union starts indefinite strike at Kalecik Filling Facility

During the indefinite strike, no fuel will be supplied to K-Pet dealers.

Semih Kolozali, President of the Revolutionary Workers Trade Unions Federation (Dev-İş), to which the Cyprus Turkish Oil Workers Union is affiliated, made a statement regarding the strike in front of the filling facility.

Kolozali noted that although the data and figures they presented were accepted as correct by the government wing, they went on an indefinite strike as of this morning due to the employers’ continued unconciliatory stance.

Kolozali said, "Our struggle here has been going on for a long time. Despite the sensitivity we have tried to show regarding the social importance of the issue, and despite trying to protect our dealers who purchase products, unfortunately, those who think they own the country continue to treat laborers as if they bought them in return for the salaries they pay."

Recalling the process that led to the strike, Kolozali stated that 9 personnel were intended to be dismissed through an irregularly adopted board of directors decision, that the current statute is very clear, that any board decision is subject to the approval of the ministry tasked with running energy affairs, and that Minister of Economy and Energy Hasan Taçoy stated there was no such board decision reaching him.

Kolozali claimed that Halil Esendağlı, appointed to the company’s board of directors by the Development Fund, was not even invited to the meeting, yet the meeting minutes stated that a unanimous decision had been taken.

Explaining that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security also confirmed their rights and verified that there is a personnel shortage in the enterprise, Kolozali stated that according to the enterprise statute, there is a mandatory quota of 71 personnel. Kolozali emphasized that when the statute is adapted to current conditions, there is a mandatory requirement for at least 40 personnel to work in the enterprise, that the current number is 34 including managers, and that if 9 people are dismissed, the number will drop below 25.

Stating that 5 personnel will become eligible for retirement within 2 years, Kolozali said, "If anyone claims that this institution can be run with 20 people, let them come forward, but let them come to the table with figures and data."

Kolozali stated that there is a personnel shortage in the enterprise, and therefore certain services have not been provided for a long time.

Kolozali said, "We are open to any kind of compromise table. We are ready to meet wherever they wish. But there is one condition for this. This country is managed with figures, data, laws, and statutes. This country is not managed with the millions in anyone’s bank account statements. No one here is for sale…"

Stating that all employees are on strike so that their nine friends can continue to take bread home, Kolozali expressed that they expect understanding from the dealers.

Stating that they expect the application of laws and statutes rather than promises, and support for the laborers, Kolozali said, "We expect them to acknowledge that this country is governed by laws and statutes, that it cannot be governed by anyone’s bankbook or influence, and that no employee can be treated this way."