In a stunning result, 130,000 metal workers in Turkey, spread across 179 enterprises, won close to a 25% wage increase over two years. In addition to this wage rise, they also won substantial increases to their social benefits and the attainment of health insurance. The three unions covering these workers had announced a week ago that a nationwide strike was to begin on 2 February. The government than declared this action illegal on the grounds of ‘national security’. Given the repression against workers and any opposition activists in Turkey over the last 18 months, this victory represents a great achievement.
In a stunning result, 130,000 metal workers in Turkey, spread across 179 enterprises, won close to a 25% wage increase over two years. In addition to this wage rise, they also won substantial increases to their social benefits and the attainment of health insurance. The three unions covering these workers had announced a week ago that a nationwide strike was to begin on 2 February. The government than declared this action illegal on the grounds of ‘national security’. Given the repression against workers and any opposition activists in Turkey over the last 18 months, this victory represents a great achievement.
