Administrative Investigation Launched in Connection with the Work Stoppage Action Announcement in Bursa

ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORK STOPPAGE ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT IN BURSA

We wish to announce and convey our reaction to the administrative investigation launched against our union's general legal and collective bargaining secretary in connection with the work stoppage action announcement in Bursa.

As Kültür Emekçileri Sendikası (Cultural Workers' Union), on 13 January 2025, we had called on all our members to take part in a work stoppage action alongside other confederations and public employee unions across the country, in order to draw attention to the 11.54% civil servant pay rise — far below the annual inflation figures announced by TÜİK.

It must not be forgotten that the work stoppage action is a constitutional right, guaranteed by Articles 51 and 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey. Furthermore, Law No. 4688 on Public Employees' Unions and Collective Bargaining explicitly recognises employees' right to collective action and states that union activities cannot be obstructed.

Unfortunately, the investigation launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism against Mr. Burç BALCI — a member of our Union's Central Executive Board and Legal and Collective Bargaining Secretary — on the grounds that he announced this action to artists, is a clear example of attempts to obstruct trade union rights. Not just one person but dozens of individuals were summoned for questioning, and an attempt has been made to apply a policy of intimidation and pressure against our artists.

Article 118 of the Turkish Penal Code defines the obstruction of trade union rights as a criminal offence. Within this scope, we wish to state that we have taken and will continue to take all necessary legal steps regarding those responsible.

For this reason, we protest the Ministry of Culture and Tourism — and the General Directorate of Fine Arts in particular — and demand that such obstructions be brought to an end.

For a strong and free struggle together — let us stand shoulder to shoulder!