The All Transport Workers’ Union (TUMTIS) Mersin Branch continued its protest in front of Mersin Port against the dismissal of 185 workers employed in loading and unloading operations. The demonstration, which has been ongoing for 103 days, was attended not only by the dismissed workers but also by their families, the Peace Mothers, and the Mersin Labor and Democracy Platform. During the protest, a banner reading “The right to unionize cannot be obstructed” was displayed, while participants frequently chanted slogans such as “Reinstate the dismissed workers” and “Long live class solidarity.”
Main contractor is responsible
Kenan Öztürk, President of the TUMTIS, stated that the main responsibility lies with the principal company, adding that the subcontracting system forces workers to labor under conditions akin to slavery.
Öztürk emphasized that during the privatization of Mersin Port, trade unions were initially targeted for liquidation, but workers succeeded in reorganizing through determined resistance. He affirmed that the union would continue to exercise its legitimate rights until the dismissed workers are reinstated.
Perihan Koca, Mersin MP of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), said: “Mersin Port workers have been waging a major struggle for bread for over 100 days. They are fighting a significant class struggle. At the same time, this is not only a struggle for bread but also a struggle for honor and dignity.”
Savaş Gürkan, the term spokesperson of the Mersin Labor and Democracy Platform, also called for an end to this injustice by reinstating the dismissed workers.
Leave a Reply