33 Unions Stage Protest in Front of the Parliament, General Strike Launched

Thousands of workers joined the protest, where government policies were harshly criticized. The speeches during the event included remarks by KTOEÖS President Selma Eylem, who stated that they would not remain silent in their fight for an equal, fair, and transparent system. Union leaders greeted the participants from the podium, and several speeches were made. Political parties that supported the protest, including the CTP, TDP, BY, and YKP, were also thanked.

Speeches

Kamu-İş and Hür-İş President Ahmet Serdaroğlu emphasized that the cost of living allowance is not an increase but rather a result of inflation, which they have struggled to convey to the government.

Serdaroğlu declared, "We can break down the iron gates. We have no issue with the police. Our problem is with those who are inside. They will come out, and we will go in. The power is with us."

Kamu-Sen President Metin Atan asserted that the government, which takes from the pockets of the people living in poverty, will eventually leave. He pledged that protests would continue in the streets, declaring, "They will withdraw this law. We will strike every day."

KTAMS President Güven Bengihan stressed that the unions are fighting for the future, children, and a better society, saying, "We have a promise to leave a beautiful country for our children." Bengihan emphasized that the protests and strikes will continue until results are achieved, warning that those who do not pay the price for this struggle will face consequences forever. He expressed confidence that they would win through perseverance.

KTÖS General Secretary Burak Maviş pointed out the rising costs of living, with food and healthcare expenses increasing by 400%, while citizens cannot even find medicine in pharmacies. Maviş also criticized the lack of classrooms for students, stating that the strike would continue tomorrow.

Tıp-İş President Özlem Gürkut stated, "We are here to say stop to those who increased the referral costs to private hospitals by 400%." She explained that they are trying to provide services in hospitals at risk of collapsing in the first earthquake, urging the withdrawal of the proposals in Parliament committees and emphasizing their resolve to resist.

TÜRK-SEN President Arslan Bıçaklı criticized the representatives of capital for continuing to support business interests while telling workers there is "no money." He assured that money would be found and paid, declaring that indefinite strikes would continue until the proposal that requires approval before signing a collective agreement is withdrawn. Bıçaklı also stated they would not recognize any potential strike bans, saying, "Either these laws go, or you will."

The joint statement prepared by the 33 unions was read by KTOEÖS President Selma Eylem, and the event ended with the songs of Sol Anahtarı.