ISTANBUL (AA) – Members of the All Transport Workers Union (TÜMTİS) affiliated with the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) protested the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) in their action on the grounds that subcontracted workers were not paid their rights arising from the collective bargaining agreement. Workers working at the subcontractor company Platform Turizm AŞ, which works as a driver in IMM’s funeral services, milk distribution, shuttle and office areas, came together at the 50th Year Park next to the municipality’s Presidency building in Saraçhane.
The workers opened a banner saying “The collective bargaining agreement should be fully implemented, subcontracted workers should be employed” and chanted slogans such as “We will not be slaves to subcontractors” and “Workers’ unity will defeat capital”. Ersin Türkmen, Head of TÜMTİS Istanbul Branch No. 1, to which the workers are affiliated, said in his statement that the drivers, who are subcontractor company workers, continue to be treated as “stepchildren” even though they have been doing the same job as municipal workers for years.
Reminding that there are approximately 100 thousand employees within the IMM, some of whom are civil servants, some of whom are permanent workers, and some of whom work in municipal affiliated companies, Türkmen continued as follows: “However, a small number of employees are still included in the staff of subcontracted companies. 524 workers who work within Platform Turizm AŞ and are members of our union are among the employees of this subcontracted company.
Among them, we have friends who have been working in the IMM service for more than 20 years. Despite the promises made for years, subcontracted workers, municipal companies “They were not included in the organization and were subjected to different practices than their colleagues who did the same job.” Stating that subcontracted workers have not received the value they deserve for years and have not received the reward for their labor, Türkmen said, “Despite the collective bargaining agreement in force in the workplace, the rights of the workers are systematically violated.
In the workplace where our union is authorized, wage increases are being applied incompletely for the second year. In accordance with the collective labor agreement, the wages of the hours counted as night work should be paid with a 10 percent increase, but this payment has not been made for approximately 8 months.” he said. Pointing out that there are serious losses of rights in overtime practices, Türkmen said, “Although workers work intensive overtime, arbitrary limits are determined by the company and overtime wages are underpaid.
Although it is clearly stated in the collective bargaining agreement that ‘weekend work will be paid with a 100 percent increase’, weekday overtime wages of 60 percent are paid for overtime done on weekends.” he said. – “Underpaid wages and receivables must be paid to the workers immediately.” Pointing out that municipal workers work 40 hours a week and subcontractor workers 45 hours a week, Türkmen emphasized that subcontractor workers receive half the wages of municipal company employees.
Türkmen noted the following: “These workers, who have been working within the IMM for years, some for 20 years and some for shorter periods, have been promised several positions. However, the promises were not kept, and subcontracted workers have been condemned to work in uncertainty and inequality for years. Our union has held repeated meetings with Platform Turizm AŞ and IMM officials, and demanded the solution of the problems and the full implementation of the collective bargaining agreement.
However, neither the company management nor the municipal authorities have produced a permanent solution so far. “The justified demands of the workers were ignored and the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement were not implemented.” Stating that they want equality, not privilege, and their rights, not favors, Türkmen said, “Our demands are clear. All provisions of the collective labor agreement must be fully implemented.
Underpaid wages and receivables must be paid to workers immediately. Night work wages, overtime wages and temporary duty travel allowances must be paid in accordance with the contract. “Platform Tourism workers should equally benefit from all the rights enjoyed by other municipality employees, including bank promotions.” he said. Türkmen stated that they will continue their struggle with determination until the staffing issue of subcontracted workers is resolved and their rights are fully delivered.
TÜRK-İŞ Istanbul 1st Region President Halil Faki Erdal said that they made a press statement today so that the workers can get their rights, and that they will go on a sit-in protest or a hunger strike if necessary. 16There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced. 26There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced.
36There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced. 46There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced. 56There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced.
66There are 54 geographically registered foods among the products offered for sale at the Gastronomy House, where the traditional flavors of Hatay are introduced.
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