Amnesty launches international campaign for workers rights in Turkey

Amnesty International

Public statement

29 APRIL 2011

Index: EUR 44/004/2011

AMNESTY LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR WORKERS RIGHTS IN TURKEY

The Turkish government is failing to protect the rights of workers, Amnesty International said today as it launched a global campaign for workers’ rights in Turkey ahead of May Day.

Despite government commitments to uphold international labour standards, workers’ rights remain denied in law and in practice. In response, Amnesty International is joining forces with trade unions in Turkey to demand the full realization of workers’ rights.

Tens of thousands of protest postcards are being distributed globally. Human rights activists from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA will be among those taking part. The signed postcards will be presented to Turkey’s new Minister of Labour later in the year following Turkey’s parliamentary elections.

Unions and federations in Turkey are supporting this effort, with 100,000 of these cards distributed through trade unions in Turkey.

Notwithstanding constitutional amendments in 2010, Amnesty International remains deeply concerned about the longstanding failure of the Turkish authorities to ensure that labour laws – some of which date from the period of military rule in Turkey –.guarantee the fundamental rights of working people.

The right to form and join trade unions, to collectively bargain and to strike are universal human rights for workers in all countries, including both public and private sector workers in Turkey.

Amnesty International activists around the world will be taking action in support of workers in Turkey, calling on the authorities to guarantee workers’ fundamental rights.

ENDS