Turkish union restrictions under attack

Date: 16/07/01

By John Shelley

EUROPEAN trade unions have condemned Turkish laws which they say are part of a concerted effort to destroy the country's labour movement. Passed by the Turkish Parliament last week, the laws ban civilians working for the military and legal staff, such as court clerks, from joining a union. Emilio Gabaglio, secretary-general of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), has written to Turkish President Ahmet Needet Sezer urging him to block the legislation. "The ETUC has been supporting Turkey's application for EU membership, but this implies full respect of trade union rights," he said. "The decision taken by the Turkish Parliament is in clear contradiction of European and international standards." Thousands of public sector workers, angry over the rules, clashed with police last week. More than 20 were injured, some seriously. The Turkish government has filed law suits against six union directors following the demonstrations.

European trade unions have condemned Turkish laws which they say are part of a concerted effort to destroy the country's labour movement.