On February 27-28 a strike shook Tuzla dockyard. The main workers’ demand was assuring humane working conditions and safety regulations on these shipbuilding enterprises where 18 workers have lost their lives in the last 8 months only due to work-related accidents. The strike was unprecedented due to the severity of the issue, and by the number of workers-participants (60%) and the number of other industries and trade unions from abroad supporting it. The strike was lead by the trade union Limter-Is . It is remarkable that the workers protested with a slogan: “Union or death!” which speaks volumes about their despair and resolute stance. Because of their determined standpoint, dockyard workers obliged their management to accept the key requirements: formation of a Council, which will create healthy and secure work conditions, ensure internationally acceptable working conditions, ensure the right of the workers to be members of the union and guarantee the application of the law for heavy work conditions. The management accepted these demands and in a week’s time will discuss the details with the union.

International Council for Friendship and Solidarity with Soviet People congratulates Turkish workers with this significant achievement in their long-lasting struggle for dignified labour and life. This kind of unity, organization, determination and position “one for all and all for one” is a living example for the workers everywhere. While shouting slogans “We do not want to die!” about barbaric safety conditions at the company, these workers at the same time did not fear to look death in the face and according to their slogans, preferred arrest, imprisonment or even death to working without their militant union. It seems like no one has had it as much as the Turkish workers driven to the edge and killed one by one by their management’s savings on the cost of safe labour conditions. We congratulate Turkish workers on the unity they have achieved across various industries, as shown by the support of this strike by textile, transportation, glass, leather, petrochemical, engineering, medical and architectural professionals. We praise the unions like Limter-Is, which truly stand for their people, lead them to victory and show the path for others in the organized workers’ struggle!

International Council for Friendship and Solidarity with Soviet People

Toronto, Canada

March 3, 2008 unwavering strong-minded