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Labor Unions Change Plans; Over 100 Turkish MPs Will Be In Taksim To Celebrate May Day With Workers
(Cumhuriyet, Turkey, April 30, 2008) Following the refusal of the AKP government to allow workers to celebrate May 1 Labor Day in Istanbul’s largest square, the leaders of three major labor organizations, Turk-Is, DISK and KESK met today to redesign their plans for tomorrow in face of the extraordinary security measures being implemented by the authorities. Their initial plan was for the three large unions to march to Taksim square from three separate directions, each group carrying their own flags and identifying banners. Mustafa Turkel, the Secretary General of Turkey’s largest confederation of workers Turk-Is said in a joint statement that they were sadly watching how in a few hours Taksim square was turned into a large outdoor prison. He added that they have now made changes in their plans and instead of marching through three routes, now all labor organizations would use the same route into Taksim. They have also decided not to carry any flags or banners of any kind, but only May Day banners. Turkel said, “We will march with one slogan and one flag, and we don’t have any more concessions to make”. Kurdish party DTP MPs announced that they would take part in May Day celebrations alongside the workers, as well as the majority of CHP, DSP and independent MPs. CHP’s Istanbul organization that obtained permission from the party’s executive organs will also participate with about 10 thousand members. Source: Milliyet, Vatan, Turkey, April 30, 2008
Posted at: 2008-04-30
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