Tokat Tekel Cigarette Factory workers welcomed 2008 with actions against privatisation. On January 1, the workers organised a march from Gazi osmanpasa Stadium to the Republic Square, Tokat, together with their spouses, children and relatives and declared that they will prevent the sale of the factory. Almost 10,000 workers joined the action which was also supported Samsun Ballica and Istanbul Cevizli Tekel workers and unions as well as chambers.
The workers carried banners read "No to the privatisation of the factory" and "We are supporting the just demands of the Tekel workers" and hold sit-ins in front of the AKP `s local city office.