30 Aug International Solidarity for #TheCargill14
The IUF is leading a mass rally in Istanbul today that brings together trade unions and their political and civic allies in support of a long-running fight against worker rights abuses at Cargill Turkey.
In April last year 14 workers were dismissed after they joined a union at the company’s starch and sugar factory in Bursa-Orhangazi – a Cargill facility where Turkish courts have confirmed a history of repeated firings for union activity. Cargill, it seems, does not want these workers to be represented by a union.
In July, a court determined that the workers were all dismissed solely as a consequence of their union activity – confirming what the IUF and Turkish union Tekgıda-İş have claimed since Cargill brutally dismissed the 14 workers 16 months ago. Cargill has appealed the decision – and workers at Cargill Turkey are still waiting for their rights.
The BCTGM as a member of the IUF, joins with the entire
international labor movement in calling on Cargill to reinstate the 14 workers
with full back pay. We are also urging the company to ensure that all workers
at Cargill Turkey can freely exercise their right to join a union going
forward.
Cargill has been repeatedly informed of these blatant rights violations by the
IUF, however, has failed to take any action to remedy the abuses.
The BCTGM is fully committed to supporting global solidarity efforts that advance human rights. The BCTGM together with the IUF and other affiliated unions will continue to take action until a positive resolution is achieved at Cargill-Turkey.