Polonez workers, employer reach agreement after six-month protest

Turkey's Labor and Work Ministry mediated an agreement between 146 Polonez workers and their employer after a six-month protest over union dismissals. The workers had begun a hunger strike after their march to the capital Ankara province was violently dispersed by police.

Tuesday January 07 2025 05:45 pm

Duvar English

Striking Polonez workers on Jan. 6 reached an agreement with their employer during a meeting at the Labor and Social Security Ministry, six months after their protest began.

Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan made a statement after the meeting, noting that the ministry held multiple negotiations with both the workers and the employer during the six-month protest.

"I personally, along with my deputy minister, general director, and relevant officials, engaged in discussions with both sides repeatedly and maintained consistent communication," Işıkhan said. He criticized certain political circles for exploiting the issue for political gain. "We approached the matter with a solution-oriented perspective and did not allow it to turn into a political show. We handled it with great care. Today, we are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached between the workers and the employer," he added.

Işıkhan explained that a framework was created to secure workers' rights.

"The employer will cover all severance pay, notice pay, and other entitlements for the workers, including compensation for the period they were unemployed," he said.

He emphasized Turkey’s growth and strength through its workforce, producers, and employers, highlighting the values of unity and solidarity. "As the ministry, we have always stood by workers and employers to ensure peace and harmony in labor relations, and we will continue to do so," Işıkhan stated.

"The resolution we achieved today is an example of this dialogue," he said.

Tek-Gıda İş President Mustafa Türkel said, "This situation demonstrates how achievable results can be when both parties come together. Creating this outcome was very important."

What happened?
In July 2024, 146 workers at the Polonez food factory were dismissed for joining the Tek-Gıda İş union. In response, the workers launched protests, including various demonstrations and a march to the capital Ankara province. Police often violently intervened in the workers’ march, until the ministry intervened to resolve the dispute.

Topics Polonez strike march Ankara Labor Ministry