Unions continue strike over cost-of-living measures

Public sector unions are continuing their general strike and protest outside the Republic’s Assembly today, opposing decree-laws regulating the cost of living.

Following yesterday’s day-long protests, several MPs from the National Unity Party approached union representatives gathered in the parliamentary courtyard in the evening and presented a new proposal.

Union leaders rejected the proposal, arguing that the government could implement it without consulting unions, and reiterated their demand for early elections. After internal consultations, union representatives addressed the crowd outside Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Turkish-Sen President Arslan Bıçaklı criticized the government, saying it had failed to take necessary steps and had brought the country to its current situation.

He noted that unions had submitted numerous proposals a week earlier, none of which were accepted, and described the latest offer as inadequate.

Bıçaklı stated that the government was expecting a response, adding: “Our answer is clear. Withdraw this draft law and the decree-law, then we can sit down and talk. The public has made many sacrifices, and if necessary, will do so again—but not under these conditions.”                                             

He also warned that protests would continue at the Republic’s Assembly until the legislation is withdrawn, announcing that union members would gather again at 9 am.

Bıçaklı added that work in public hospitals would largely halt except for emergency services, and cautioned of further actions if the government proceeds.

Due to the ongoing general strike, schools remained closed, and exams were not held, unions confirmed.