Since then, international solidarity continues in support of Kristal-Iş workers. Union members continue their resistance by not leaving their factories and are keeping their call visible on the ground. They are continuing to work their shifts and are neither in breach of their working contracts, nor are they in breach of any legislation (constitution of Turkey – ILO conventions). Meanwhile, since the growing repression of unions in Turkey affects all workers, they have garnered a great deal of support from their families, friends, small business owners, mosques and local politicians, backing their occupation.

Luc Triangle and Valter Sanches, General Secretaries of industriAll Europe and IndustriALL Global, stated: “We call on Şişecam to address the legitimate demands of the workers and to refrain from any acts of intimidation, harassment or retaliation. Rather than using the government's ban as an excuse, you should instead engage in good faith bargaining with Kristal-İş.”

Take Action

Take a picture of yourself holding a solidarity banner and share it with the striking glass workers on Twitter: @cam_iscileri_ or Facebook: Cam İşçisinin Grevi Engellenemez, using the hashtag #direnşişecamiscisi.