May Day in Samsun: Workers shout out their demands

The Memur-Sen organization gathered in Samsun on May 1st, Labor and Solidarity Day. Thousands of workers, filling the Samsun Liberation Path, shouted their demands and expectations during the rally held under the theme of “Labor, Conscience, Justice.”

During the rally, General President Yalçın stated, “May 1st is the grand assembly of workers... Today is the day when the workers raise their voice. We say that May 1st should be the ground for solidarity where labor unites against global exploitation. Because we are living in times where injustice is at its peak, where labour belittled, and where economic instability deepens every passing day. The world has turned into a place of chaos... Humanity's conscience is being scorched with terrible wounds. Wars and conflicts engulf the entire world. In the past century, institutions built on injustice have turned problems into gangrene. Imperialists deepen the strategy of global chaos, they bring blood and pain to humanity. They do not hesitate to throw humanity into fire to overcome the crises they create. That’s why we will resist, and we will increase humanity’s hope.” 

Yalçın: Gaza is experiencing the most horrific genocide in history.

Yalçın emphasized that a horrific genocide was taking place in the state of Palestine under Zionist Israeli occupation, highlighting that Gaza was drowning in a sea of blood. He reminded that 35,000 innocent people were killed in Gaza, with over 24,000 of them being women and children, stating, “Israel is a terrorist organization! 70% of Gaza, which it has been bombarding continuously for 7 months, lies in ruins. Homes, schools, hospitals, mosques, and even churches, water wells, structures under UN control, ambulances, aid convoys... Everywhere and everyone is a target; Gaza is undergoing the most horrific genocide in history. Western imperialists, who hypocritically speak of law and civilization, are arming genocide. Even if the entire world fails the test of humanity, we will persist in shouting for justice and lifting it up. We send a thousand greetings to the resistance of Gaza, from Ankara. Damn Zionist Israel! Damn American Imperialism! Damn the Collaborative Genocide Alliance! Long live Free Palestine! Long live our Gaza Resistance! Long live the Global Intifada!” 

“Let's build a fair world together.”

In his speech, emphasizing the importance and strength of organized workers, Yalçın stated “Let’s build a fair world together. Let's increase our gains and ensure justice in income distribution, despite those who view labour as a cost factor. We believe that with unity, with our organized strength, we will achieve these goals. While our region and the world are engulfed in flames, Turkey is striving to move forward. But the burden of high inflation and price instability, the social ramifications of the crisis deepen with each passing day; retirees find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, while youth unemployment remains a problem yet. Purchasing power is on a rapid decline. We have consistently highlighted the detrimental effects of wage and tax policies, as well as the neoliberal approaches that exacerbate wealth inequality, emphasizing the social costs involved. We have consistently argued that investing in workers directly benefits the national economy. However, during each crisis, the burden falls disproportionately on workers and those with fixed incomes, who are saddled with additional taxes. This neglects the fundamental principle that labor is the driving force behind production and that workers are essential to development, growth, and prosperity. Approaches that prioritize finance and capital tend to worsen economic instability and social inequality. Let us collaborate to find solutions, disrupt traditional patterns, and establish a fairer society. Our approach has always been constructive, focusing on practical solutions rather than ideological commitments.” 

Ali Yalçın: We demand fairness in taxation.

Ali Yalçın emphasized that Memur-Sen operates in alignment with the country’s values, consistently demonstrating this commitment through various critical initiatives. He reaffirmed their dedication to serving to worker and the nation with the same determination, “We highlight the contradictions of the system. Inflation erodes our purchasing power, our share of the national income is decreasing, and our tax burden is increasing. Therefore, we demand additional measures be taken to address current economic conditions, including reducing indirect taxes, increasing taxable incomes, fixing income tax for wage earners at 15%, and relieving the tax burden on those with fixed incomes.” 

Yalçın: We are establishing a strong solidarity network.

Continuing his address to the organization, General President Yalçın expressed that Memur-Sen will continue to strive for victories and produce gains. He reiterated their commitment to solving the issues of women workers, who are central to work-family life, and to standing against violence against women. Yalçın acknowledged that while significant progress has been made in addressing the problems faced by disabled individuals, there are still issues awaiting solutions, which they are determined to tackle. He also acknowledged the difficulties experienced by young civil servants and retirees, promising to address their concerns individually and collectively. Yalçın emphasized that although retirees may retire from their profession, they do not retire from life, yet their pensions often do not allow for a decent standard of living. He assured that they see these problems and are working hard to find solutions.

Yalçın emphasized their commitment to establishing a strong solidarity network with the International Labor Confederation ILC, to increase hope for humanity alongside workers from Turkey and around the world.

Yalçın described Memur-Sen as a movement of brotherhood, mercy, and guardianship of labor and values, opposing oppressors and standing with the oppressed. He extended greetings to all oppressed individuals, those who honor the dignity of labor, and all people with a heart beating for humanity.

In conclusion, Yalçın wished a blessed May 1st Labor and Solidarity Day to all workers worldwide, proclaiming "Long live solidarity... Long live May 1st... Long live labor... Long live peace." 

Shaban: We will continue the struggle for labor and peace.

Fevzi Ahmet Shaban, member of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, delivered a greeting speech at the event. He stated, “I am here to convey the greetings of the honorable people of Gaza, who suffer but never give up the struggle. Today is the workers’ holiday. I also want to mention how much the support of Turkey for the Palestinian people strengthens us. I am here to share the pain endured by our brave workers, including our union members. Our workers are deprived of dignified work under occupation. They lack the chance and opportunity to build a respectful life for themselves, their families, and their children. The main reason for all this is the Israeli occupation and its horrific massacre strategy. Palestine is shedding blood... Gaza is being ruthlessly destroyed. But we will continue to resist. We will fight for our people, for peace.”