Hava-Is reports that evidence presented to the Turkish Labour Court details strikebreaking tactics used by THY
July 3, 2013
An expert report into Turkish Airlines’ (THY) anti-union practices, shows that the airline management has used strike-breakers and violated the national legal framework of Turkey.
Some of the THY workers are on strike since 15 May 2013.
The report reveals that THY has been hiring temporary staff (particularly from Sun Express) to maintain personnel numbers in order to avoid cancellations.
The report also points out that THY management has been forcing some Hava-Is members to take part in production of services and sales who are excluded from taking part in a strike by the law.
ITF affiliated Turkish Civil Aviation Union (Hava-Is) filed a number of criminal complaints against the company during the last six weeks alleging that airline management was flying airplanes with insufficient or unqualified crew and using strike-breakers.
On 17 May 2013, the ITF called on international aviation authorities to investigate allegations that Turkish Airlines is playing with safety by flying airplanes with insufficient or unqualified crew in order to get around a strike by THY workers protesting at unfair sackings.
Such practices violate Article 65 and 68 of The Unions and Collective Bargaining Agreement (Law No.6356).
The contents of the report are a devastating indictment of THY management’s anti-union practices and proves that Hava-Is’ allegations were far from being baseless.
This sort of behaviour is not only contrary to Turkish law but is also contrary to the standards laid down by the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO). The Convention on the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise stipulates international standards on these matters.
Clearly, any breach of such legislation and Conventions will have to be seriously addressed, and therefore courts and the Labour Ministry of Turkey should in this case as a matter of urgency.
Join the ‘reinstate 305 solidarity group’ at reinstate305@itfglobal.org and receive regular news from the picket line, updates on campaign actions and information on how you can get involved. Please tell your members, friends and family to join too.
Tags: Hava-Is, strike, strike breaking, THY, Turkey, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Civil Aviation Union