08 May 2008
Demand the release of imprisoned road transport union members in Turkey

The ITF's affiliated road transport union in Turkey, TÜMTIS, needs your solidarity in a bitter anti-union campaign involving arrests and imprisonment of trade union activists.

Members and activists of TÜMTIS in Turkey are accused of "setting up a criminal organisation" after they ran two organising campaigns. If found guilty, the court can take action to shut down the union.

A group of members of the Ankara branch of the union were detained on 20 November 2007 and formally arrested three days later. Seven remain in prison.

Ten other members were detained at the same time and were subsequently released - but eight have also been charged with the offence of setting up a criminal organisation.

The first hearing is due to take place on 6 June 2008 - and the ITF is calling on all affiliates to support this case - so please write to the Prime Minister today.

Take Action: Send a Protest Letter

The ITF has written a letter of protest to the Prime Minister of Turkey (see related documents below).

Please write similar letters to the Prime Minister.  ITF affiliates can use the text and contact details below; there is also an email protest available.

Sample letter:

Mr. Reçep Tayyip Erdoğan
Prime Minister
Turkey

Fax: +90 312 417 0476 / 418 0476
bilgi@basbakanlik.gov.tr

Dear Sir,

With deep concern and disappointment I write to your office in support of ITF affiliate, Türkiye Motorlu Tasit Iscileri Sendikasi (TÜMTIS).

Five months ago, the ITF lodged its strong protest with your government on the arrest of members of the Ankara Branch of TÜMTIS over what appears to be an attempt to suppress independent trade union activities. In November the ITF requested your office to intervene in order to release them immediately. Regrettably, the situation has not improved since then as seven trade unionists remain in prison and together with a further eight union members they have now been charged with the "establishment of a criminal organisation". The ITF believes these charges to be groundless and fully supports the union's view that such an allegation is designed to oppress genuine trade union activities and therefore is in breach of ILO Conventions Nos. 98 and 87.

I appeal to your good office to intervene to ensure that these TÜMTIS members are freed immediately and unconditionally with all charges dropped.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely

(name, organisation etc)