Act now for imprisoned road transport union members in Turkey

To: bilgi@basbakanlik.gov.tr
Subject: Protest Letter - Demand the release of imprisoned road transport union members in Turkey

To Mr. Reçep Tayyip Erdoğan. Prime Minister. Turkey

Ref: Protest Letter - Demand the release of imprisoned road transport union members in Turkey

Dear Sir,

It is with deep concern and disappointment that I write to your office in support of Türkiye Motorlu Tasit Iscileri Sendikasi (TÜMTIS), an affiliate of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in Turkey,

I understand that five months ago, the ITF lodged a strong protest with your government following the arrest of a group of members of the Ankara Branch of TÜMTIS. There is strong evidence that this was an attempt to suppress independent trade union activities. In November 2007 the ITF requested your office to intervene in order to release the activists immediately. Regrettably, the situation has not improved since then. 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 the TÜMTIS members are freed immediately and unconditionally with all charges dropped.

I look forward to your reply,

Yours sincerely,