International Transport Workers' Federation
Andrel Hunko – Deputy of German Bundestag
The international support for the 305-dismissed Turkish Airlines workers is growing rapidly.
On July 5, Thursday, Andrej Hunko, a deputy of the German Bundestag from Die Linke (Left Party), and also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, paid a visit to the Ataturk International Airport to support the dismissed Turkish Airlines and Turkish Technic workers.
Last week, Hunko came on an official visit to Turkey. Hunko used the opportunity to visit the sacked Hava-Is members.
Hunko delivered a warmly-welcomed speech to Hava-Is members after receiving information from Hava-Is leaders and from workers themselves.
“It is unacceptable what is happening here! I am shocked by the way that Turkish government banned strikes in aviation industry and Turkish Airlines dismissed 305 workers via SMS messages just for defending their basic rights,” he declared.
He continued: “As soon as I go back to Germany, I will prepare a report to present to the German Bundestag. I will work in Germany and among European institutions to support your struggle as much as I can. Your struggle is very important for all other European workers. Workers must refuse to pay the bill for the economic crisis and fight to protect their rights!
Across Europe workers are waging difficult and heroic fights as laws protecting workers’ rights are rolled-back; strikes are banned and collective-bargaining agreements are made obsolete—particularly in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece!”
Following Hava-Is president Atilay Aycin gave a short speech, emphasising international support and solidarity. He said, “Despite all setbacks, Hava-Is and its members continue their struggle for their bread and their honour. Turkish Airlines is now operating understaffed, which is a serious threat to flight safety.”
Hunko’s visit to Turkish Airlines workers attracted substantial national media coverage.
Andrel Hunko – Deputy of German Bundestag
The international support for the 305-dismissed Turkish Airlines workers is growing rapidly.
On July 5, Thursday, Andrej Hunko, a deputy of the German Bundestag from Die Linke (Left Party), and also a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, paid a visit to the Ataturk International Airport to support the dismissed Turkish Airlines and Turkish Technic workers.
Last week, Hunko came on an official visit to Turkey. Hunko used the opportunity to visit the sacked Hava-Is members.
Hunko delivered a warmly-welcomed speech to Hava-Is members after receiving information from Hava-Is leaders and from workers themselves.
“It is unacceptable what is happening here! I am shocked by the way that Turkish government banned strikes in aviation industry and Turkish Airlines dismissed 305 workers via SMS messages just for defending their basic rights,” he declared.
He continued: “As soon as I go back to Germany, I will prepare a report to present to the German Bundestag. I will work in Germany and among European institutions to support your struggle as much as I can. Your struggle is very important for all other European workers. Workers must refuse to pay the bill for the economic crisis and fight to protect their rights!
Across Europe workers are waging difficult and heroic fights as laws protecting workers’ rights are rolled-back; strikes are banned and collective-bargaining agreements are made obsolete—particularly in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece!”
Following Hava-Is president Atilay Aycin gave a short speech, emphasising international support and solidarity. He said, “Despite all setbacks, Hava-Is and its members continue their struggle for their bread and their honour. Turkish Airlines is now operating understaffed, which is a serious threat to flight safety.”
Hunko’s visit to Turkish Airlines workers attracted substantial national media coverage.