Speaking at the rally, Turkish Metal Union President Pevrul Kavlak said, “Don't make us wait. Don't delay. Give our right, do not leave our hands in the air. Let's shake hands and get back to work."
Tens of thousands of metal workers filled the squares of Kocaeli. After the Turkish Employers Association of Metal Industries (MESS) Group Collective Bargaining Agreement process, which started in October, was blocked due to the employer's low wage offer, metal workers had been carrying out actions in the fields and factories for days. When an agreement could not be reached in the last meeting held last week, metal workers shouted their demands once again in Kocaeli yesterday.
“WE WORKED AT THE COST OF OUR LIVES”
Addressing the workers who filled the area, Turkish Metal Union Chairman Pevrul Kavlak stated that they gave the name of "We worked to death, we will win" to the rally "We worked to death. We worked with our lives. While everyone was at home, in their warm home, with their children, we turned the wheels and smoked the chimneys. We showed our friends and enemies that labor is the most sacred value. We worked at the expense of our lives so that our country's industry would not stop, so that our economy would not suffer, so that our bosses would add profit to their profits," he said.
He added that they will fight until they get the reward of their labor.
“DO NOT LEAVE OUR EXTENDED HAND IN THE AIR”
Noting that they have been carrying out protests for days, Kavlak made the following call to the employer from the rally rostrum:
“We are now at the point where the word ends. We are at the point where the knife touches the bone. I am calling out to MESS officials from here. I appeal to their conscience, to their most innocent, most humane feelings. The sea is over. Don't forget, if the sea ends for us, it means it's over for you too. For that, there is no point in prolonging this matter any longer. Come to the table, let's get this done. Come to the table, let's make a good contract. Come to the table, let's see ahead of us in these uncertain conditions. Don't keep us waiting. Don't delay. Give our right, do not leave our hands in the air. Let's shake hands and get back to work."
“NO ONE BELIEVES THE NUMBERS YOU ANNOUNCED”
Addressing Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), which is at the center of the discussions with the inflation figures they announced, Kavlak said, “The inflation figures you have announced do not reflect the truth. Well, have a heart… Where do you get these numbers from? Tell me and we'll shop there. We cannot buy the cheese and olives we bought yesterday at the same price today. Every time we shop, our bag gets smaller and the amount we pay increases. That's why no one believes the numbers you've announced."
At the end of the speeches, the rally ended with slogans.