At least 232 workplace homicides registered in Turkey in May

Istanbul Occupational Health and Safety Council (ISIG) released the report of workplace homicides for the month of May. According to the report, while at least 232 workers deaths were recorded, at least 972 workers died in the first two months of the year. The report pointed out that 3 million 21 thousand 778 people were issued “Working Exemption Permit” during the pandemic lockdown and that workers have been forced to work in every field.

ISIG stressed that exploitation conditions for women workers intensified in both domestic and public spheres as well as in workplaces. In addition, millions of women challenge economic and male violence in daily life.

The report said, “There are 67 million domestic workers, 75 percent of whom work informally. In Turkey, this number is around 1 million 300 thousand. Three in every 10 female domestic workers without any worktime and payment standards are exposed to sexual and physical violence or mobbing. It is necessary to enhance and spread the struggle for the unionization of domestic workers who are forced to work underpaid and deal with drudgery.”

WORKERS, SHOPKEEPERS, CHILDREN…

The report documented that 193 of 232 workers who died in May were wage-laborers (in private sector or civil servant) and 39 were self-employed (farmer and tradespeople). On the other hand, 20 women died as a result of workplace homicides. “Three immigrant/refugee workers, 2 of whom were from Afghanistan and 1 from Turkmenistan died. 3 child workers also lost their lives, as well as 84 workers aged 51 and older,” said the report.

While workplace homicides during the month of May occurred mainly in the sectors of trade, education, agriculture, forestry, building, and highway construction, 29 of those who died were members of a trade union.

The report listed “Covid-19, traffic/service accidents, burial in the wreckage, fall from height, suicide, heart attack and drowning” as the major causes of death.