ITF calls on Unilever to push for Turkish dispute solution

12 June 2008

The ITF today called on Unilever to use its influence to settle a festering conflict in Turkey that has seen 64 workers lose their jobs, allegedly for wanting to join a union.

The Federation’s appeal comes ahead of a press conference in Istanbul tomorrow organised by the ITF-affiliated. TÜMTIS trade union, which will spotlight the case of 64 workers at the Cipa company, one of two that provide transport services to Unilever. According to TÜMTIS its successful efforts to offer membership to workers have been met with the dismissal of the 64 workers as part of an anti-union drive.

Mac Urata, Secretary of the ITF’s Inland Transport Section, commented: “We believe it is in Unilever’s power to speak to this company and end what appears to be a clear cut abuse of authority, with paper thin excuses being given for the deliberate sacking of workers who wanted to take advantage of their right to belong to a trade union.”

He continued: “While we’re waiting for a hoped for response from Unilever, we will also be cooperating with the IUF (International Union of Food Workers) global union federation, whose affiliated unions in India and Pakistan are reporting similar problems.”

ENDS

For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk

International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail@itf.org.uk
Web: www.itfglobal.org

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