http://themilitant.com/2017/8124/812432.html
The Militant (logo)
Vol. 81/No. 24 June 19, 2017
—ON THE PICKET LINE—
IndustriALL
Since June 1, glass workers in Turkey, members of Kristal-Is union, have
occupied nine glass factories to protest government’s ban on strikes
over wages and working conditions.
Glass workers in Turkey occupy plants as government bans strike
Some 5,700 glass workers in Turkey, members of the Kristal-Is union,
have been organizing protest actions since June 1 in nine factories
owned by Sisecam Glass Co. after the government banned them from going
on strike. The workers are demanding improved wages and working conditions.
After failing to reach agreement with the company on a contract in early
May, the workers announced they would go on strike May 24. The
government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, using its broad
state of emergency powers, then “postponed” the strike for 60 days,
claiming it would be a “threat to national security.” But the
postponement is really a ban, as Turkish law forbids trade unions from
striking after 60 days of being postponed.
Sisecam, the second largest glass manufacturer in Europe, runs its
factories in three shifts. The unionists are now “working to rule,” with
slowed production. At the end of each shift, workers have been
organizing demonstrations and meetings and not leaving the worksites,
sleeping in the factory or in tents erected outside the plant.
— Brian Williams
Locked-out Canada Bread workers gain new contract
LANGLEY, British Columbia —Members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco
Workers and Grain Millers Union Local 468, who were locked out by Canada
Bread Co. since April 1, voted 67-45 to ratify a new contract May 25.
The company withdrew the demand that it be able to call workers in for
as little as two hours work. And part-time workers who put in 30 hours
or more will keep their benefits.
“We thank the public and union members for the support we got during the
lockout,” said Donna Quinton, one of workers. Another told the Militant
that despite her misgivings about parts of the contract, “we have
stronger bonds now” between union members.
For many of the workers with decades of seniority, this was the first
time they had been locked out or on strike. Workers maintained picket
lines 24/7 during the entire fight.
Daren Wagner described the solidarity they got from other unions, senior
citizens and community members who visited the picket line. “Thanks to
this support, we had Pizza Fridays, Taco Tuesdays, and soup days during
our picketing,” Wagner said. “We’ll be in a better position to defend
ourselves because we’re more united. That’s the victory.”
Workers rebid for their positions at a May 31 company-organized meeting,
given that 30 workers have been offered buyouts and the unionized
lead-hand or “foreman” position was eliminated.
— Michel Dugré
Related articles:
San Francisco unionists fight against deportations
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home