Say no to repression of workers this May Day in Turkey

To: cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr, bimer@istanbul.gov.tr
Subject: Protest Letter - Say no to repression of workers this May Day in Turkey

To President Abdullah Gül, Governor of Instanbul Muammer Güler

Ref: Protest Letter - Say no to repression of workers this May Day in Turkey

Dear Sir,

In many countries, the first of May is a holiday and is celebrated as labour day. Not so in Turkey.

Although Turkey claims to recognise workers' rights, trade union demonstrations on first May have been dispersed through massive use of force by police.

One such use of force took place last year. On the 1st of May, 2008, police attacked trade union venues and disrupted celebrations. Police sprayed people with pepper spray, carried out brutal beatings and made arrests. The scope of these acts of state violence gained worldwide attention.

The rights to freedom of speech and of assembly are fundamental rights, for all citizens including workers and their unions.

I strongly urge that the government in Ankara and the governor of Istanbul cease to hinder trade union demonstrations and first May festivals - including those held in Taksim Square in Istanbul.

As a part of our on-going support towards the ITF-affiliated TUMTIS and HAVA-IS in their campaigns to fight against the oppressions towards the workers rights, we demand that 1 May be recognised as Labour Day by the Turkish government.

Yours sincerely