ITF concerned over “heavy-handed approach” against aviation unionists

April 6, 2011

The ITF has criticised the use of force against a unionist in Turkey while he was carrying out his union duties and expressed concern over the dismissal of four others.

The incident was reported to have happened on 18 March at the engine maintenance company Turkish Engine Centre (TEC) based in Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Istanbul. Ayhan Uygun, education secretary of the ITF-affiliated aviation union Hava-Is, was attempting to hold a meeting with TEC workers when eight security guards apparently used physical force to remove him from the building; the meeting’s aim was to update members on collective bargaining talks taking place with TEC. It is understood that a disturbance followed, during which a number of union members intervened, and that a protest was held by workers over the guards’ actions. Four TEC workers were subsequently dismissed, apparently over their alleged roles in the incident.

In a letter to Enrique Hernandez, TEC operations director, dated 25 March, ITF civil aviation secretary Gabriel Mocho commented: “It is deeply regrettable that TEC appears to be obstructing legitimate union activities and taking a heavy-handed approach in an already tense collective bargaining process. This action has only served to antagonise Hava-Is’ members and given them the impression of intimidation when what is required at this critical stage in the talks is a willingness to achieve an acceptable agreement that benefits both parties.” Affliated unions, he said, were ready to stand by Hava-Is members.

Mocho also wrote to David Hess, president of US-based company Pratt and Whitney, which holds a controlling share in TEC, calling for intervention to help resolve the dispute.

TEC’s recent actions have compounded the unionists’ frustrations – the company earlier forced the union to take legal action to see their right to collective bargaining implemented.