Investigation Draws Attention of Media and Opposition

THE INVESTIGATION IS IN THE SIGHTS OF THE MEDIA AND THE OPPOSITION

As the Culture Workers' Union, we are determined to defend our members' rights at every stage of the labour struggle. The investigation recently opened by the authorities, following a work-stoppage announcement made by one of our union's officers, is now in the media's sights.

An investigation was opened against Burç Balcı — Culture Workers' Union Executive Board member, Legal and Collective Bargaining Secretary, and state artist — on the ground that he announced the work stoppage carried out 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 falls far below the annual inflation figures announced by TÜİK.

Speaking to the ANKA News Agency on the matter, Balcı said:

This investigation was opened over the announcement of an action we carried out within the scope of our union's constitutional rights of assembly and freedom of expression. We are conscious that we have always acted on peaceful and legal ground in defending our rights. Investigations of this kind only cause us to raise our voice further against the pressure directed at labour and at the pursuit of rights.

As the Culture Workers' Union, we will always continue to support your struggle for job security, equality and our rights. Throughout this process, we will resolutely maintain our stance against every kind of pressure directed at our officers and at all our working women and men members.