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

THE ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION OPENED OVER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WORK STOPPAGE IN BURSA

We wish to announce the administrative investigation opened against our union's Legal and Collective Bargaining Secretary over the announcement of the work stoppage carried out in Bursa, and to convey our reaction.

As the Culture Workers' Union, on 13 January 2025 we called on all our members to join a work stoppage, together with the other confederations and public-servant unions across the country, in order to draw attention to the 11.54% public-servant raise, which fell far below the annual inflation figures announced by TÜİK. On the same day, unions including KESK, ASIM SEN, BASK, HÜR SEN, BİRLEŞİK KAMU-İŞ, EĞİTİM-İŞ, HÜRRİYETÇİ EĞİTİM SEN, EĞİTİM GÜCÜ SEN, ANADOLU EĞİTİM SEN and TÖB SEN took part in this action together with their public-servant members.

It must not be forgotten that the work stoppage is a constitutional right, guaranteed by Articles 51 and 90 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey. Furthermore, Law No. 4688 on Public Servants' Trade Unions and Collective Agreement recognises employees' right to collective action and states clearly that union activity may not be obstructed. Decisions of the Constitutional Court and the Council of State, the ILO instruments Turkey has signed, and many judgments of the European Court of Human Rights have repeatedly affirmed that public employees may exercise their union rights. In this light, using the right to stop work is not merely a right; it is also a democratic responsibility.

Regrettably, the investigation opened by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism against Mr. Burç BALCI — member of our union's Central Executive Board and Legal and Collective Bargaining Secretary — on the ground that he announced this action to artists, is a clear example of the attempt to obstruct union rights. We believe this investigation was opened to prevent the exercise of union rights and to put pressure on our members. Not just one person but dozens have been summoned to give statements, and an attempt has been made to apply a policy of intimidation and pressure on our artists.

Article 118 of the Turkish Penal Code defines the obstruction of union rights as a crime. In this context, we wish to state that we have taken, and will continue to take, the necessary steps against those responsible, using all our legal rights.

Obstructions of this kind against the exercise of union rights are not only an individual loss but a loss for society. It is plain that such practices cause public harm and are unlawful.

We therefore protest the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and above all the General Directorate of Fine Arts, and demand that such obstructions cease.

We call on all culture and art workers to support our union struggle, to defend their rights and to grow solidarity.

For a strong and free struggle together — shoulder to shoulder!