WE ISSUE A WARNING!

The right to take union action is a democratic and constitutional right; it cannot be obstructed, nor may any attempt to obstruct it be tolerated.

We have received reports indicating that investigations may be opened against our members who participated in the nationwide strike on August 18, 2025, organized to protest the offer made by the public employer during the 8th term collective bargaining negotiations and to communicate our collective bargaining demands, as well as to ensure that these demands are met by the public employer.

We will never tolerate such unlawful, unacceptable, reckless, and arbitrary attempts that push the limits of our patience.

The right of public employees to take collective action, in accordance with the decisions of trade unions, is explicitly recognized by human rights conventions, the Constitution, and judicial rulings. Participation in union actions is an integral part of the fundamental human right to freedom of association. According to Constitutional Court rulings and the Council of State Administrative Court Chambers’ decision dated May 22, 2013 (Case No. 2009/1063, Decision No. 2013/1998), participation in such actions is considered an “excused absence” and must be treated as leave.

The Constitutional Court has established that disciplinary sanctions imposed for not attending work in accordance with union action decisions—even if minor—constitute a violation of union rights, as they are of a nature that may deter members from participating in legitimate strikes or action days organized to protect their interests.

Nevertheless, initiating investigations, imposing disciplinary sanctions, or applying similar punitive measures or threats against public employees who participated in the action would overshadow the August 18 work stoppage and open the door to further protests and reactions nationwide.

In light of this situation, which the Constitutional Court recognizes as a violation of union rights, we will file complaints with the public prosecutor’s offices against the authorities who attempt to open investigations or impose disciplinary sanctions on our members, on the grounds that they are committing the crime of obstructing union rights.