Unions slam Turkish PM

Unions will be helping spearhead international protests tomorrow against the violence unleashed on peaceful protesters by the Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

In London, UK, trade unions, the TUC (Trades Union Congress) and Taksim Square Solidarity Committee will be joining the ITF tomorrow to protest at the savage repression taking place in Istanbul. The UK action is just one part of a world day of action supported by global union organisations such as the IUF (International Union of Food Workers), ITF and ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation).

The London demonstration will take place outside the Turkish Embassy at 43 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PA on Friday 21 June from 15:00 to 17:30. Similar actions are expected in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, The Netherlands, The Philippines, Thailand, Tunisia and the USA, among others, while international trade union members have also been showing their support in Taksim Square itself.

ITF president Paddy Crumlin commented: “Erdogan’s actions are shaming himself, his government and Turkey. Trade unions will be holding up a mirror to his disgrace tomorrow and demanding an end to this repression. In the name of civilisation and decency he must cease these savage attacks. The future of Turkish democracy depends on it.”

To find out how to get involved visit www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/Direngezi.cfm The Facebook page for the London action is www.facebook.com/ITFglobal/events. Photos of the events will be posted at www.flickr.com/photos/97673278N03/sets/72157634196713490.