29 Apr 2009 Update Lend your voice to ensure May Day in Turkey can be celebrated freely, without intimidation. Take Action! Send a Protest letter to the Turkish Government now! 24 Apr 2009 UPDATE The ITF is delighted to report that the Turkish Government has this week bowed to pressure and agreed to make May Day a national holiday. The three Turkish labour confederations have all welcomed this development. The ITF is glad to congratulate them on their achievement, and to have been one part of the campaign that led to this victory for them. We would like to thank all those who used the ITF website to send messages to the Turkish authorities.   However, it has still not yet been confirmed that trade unionists and their supporters will be allowed to gather in Taksim Square in Istanbul on May Day. The square has huge symbolic importance in the struggle for trade union rights in Turkey, since 36 trade unionists died at the hands of the security forces during May Day celebrations there in 1977. Last year security forces used gas, water & cannon and batons to disperse trade unionists, and the ITF calls on the authorities to ensure that any gathering this year is permitted and allowed to take place free from police violence.

02 Apr 2009
Say no to repression of workers this May Day in Turkey

As a part of our on-going support towards the ITF-affiliated TUMTIS and HAVA-IS in their campaigns to fight against the oppressions towards the workers rights, we demand that 1 May be recognised as Labour Day by the Turkish government.

Please click the TAKE ACTION link to send a protest email to the Turkish Government.

Take Action: Send a Protest Letter

View archived Protest Letter

In many countries, the first of May is a holiday and is celebrated as labour day. Not so in Turkey.

Although Turkey claims to recognise workers' rights, trade union demonstrations on first May have been dispersed through massive use of force by police.

One such use of force took place last year. On the 1st of May, 2008, police attacked trade union venues and disrupted celebrations. Police sprayed people with pepper spray, carried out brutal beatings and made arrests. The scope of these acts of state violence gained worldwide attention.

The rights to freedom of speech and of assembly are fundamental rights, for all citizens including workers and their unions.

The ITF strongly urges that the government in Ankara and the governor of Istanbul cease to hinder trade union demonstrations and first May festivals - including those held in Taksim Square in Istanbul.

As a part of our on-going support towards the ITF-affiliated TUMTIS and HAVA-IS in their campaigns to fight against the oppressions towards the workers rights, we demand that 1 May be recognised as Labour Day by the Turkish government.

Please click the TAKE ACTION link to send a protest email to the Turkish Government.

Below are links to recent cases in Turkey where International solidarity has had a beneficial outcome, as well as other news items and resources.

Spread the Word!