A historic strike in the metal sector has been called following a breakdown in negotiations between Birleşik Metal-İş Union and the Turkish Metal Employers’ Federation (MESS) over an attempt by MESS to impose a three-year collective bargaining agreement which would do nothing to improve conditions for newer workers or those on lower wages.

Around 15,000 workers in 42 companies, including several multinationals, will strike tomorrow, 29 January.

On behalf of GUE/NGL, President Gabi Zimmer and MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou, Vice Chair of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee, expressed the group's full support to Birleşik Metal-İş and its members in their struggle to improve working conditions and wages, particularly their demands for a general wage increase for low-paid workers doing the same jobs.

GUE/NGL strongly urges the Turkish Government to respect the workers' right to strike, as well as all workers' rights appropriate for a country that wants to join the European Union.

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group