Turkish textile workers taking action

Over 300 workers employed at the Hyosung plant in Çerkezköy, a small city just west of Istanbul, Turkey, have been on strike since mid-August against the company’s anti-union stance. Five years ago the workers managed to form a union and get it formally recognised by the courts. The company challenged this decision and has tried to intimidate and pressure the workers to leave the union. In the last few years, the unions in Turkey have faced increasing hostility from both the employers and the government.

Over 300 workers employed at the Hyosung plant in Çerkezköy, a small city just west of Istanbul, Turkey, have been on strike since mid-August against the company’s anti-union stance. Five years ago the workers managed to form a union and get it formally recognised by the courts. The company challenged this decision and has tried to intimidate and pressure the workers to leave the union. In the last few years, the unions in Turkey have faced increasing hostility from both the employers and the government.