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Unions warn of Turkish Airlines strike action
The Turkish Civil Aviation Workers’ Union, Hava-Is, has warned of an imminent strike on Turkish Airlines after talks broke down with the airline.
The union, which represents pilots, cabin crew and ground staff at the airline, said it has been attempting to negotiate a new collective agreement since March but the airline has refused to discuss key issues such as working and employment conditions.
Hava-Is president Atilay Aycin explained: “Turkish law does all it can to restrict the right to strike. Even when one is declared it cannot take place for another 60 days. If Turkish Airlines management continues to ignore these talks then we will have to begin that process.
“We’re also well aware that the law allows the government to suspend a strike for up to 60 days for reasons of national security, and we believe that the airline is counting on them doing just that.
“But if they go down that route then we will call on the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation, to which Hava-Is is affiliated) to mobilise international solidarity. We would also be forced to take the matter to the ILO (International Labour Organization).
“I dread to think what that would do to morale and to labour relations at the airline in the future,” he concluded.
The union claims that since September 11, workers accepted a 10% cut in salaries, but that the company has made a steady profit and that, based on first quarter figures, 2007 might be its most profitable year.
Aycin added: “Last year the Association of European Airlines named Turkish Airlines as Europe’s fastest-growing airline, its most punctual, and the least likely to lose luggage.
“In just three years our members have helped it to double its passenger capacity and add 24 new destinations to its network. Even now it is finalising arrangements to join Star Alliance. These achievements have been made by everyone – workers and management alike – and it would be unforgivable if the employers were to throw those gains away by forgetting that fact.”
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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