May 1st Labor Day: Statements from the Hak-İş President and Subcontracted Workers

Speech by Hak-İş President Mahmut Arslan

The President of Hak-İş, Mahmut Arslan, stated that ‘May 1st is the day when the will of the workers and the dignity of being human rise.’ Arslan expressed their support for all oppressed and victims around the world, saying, ‘We must be the tears, voice, and conscience. Therefore, we extend our merciful hand to those experiencing the pains of war, struggling with climate change, hunger, and poverty, refugees, and migrants.’

Union Demands

President Arslan of Hak-İş, listed their union demands at the rally in Kocaeli, stating, ‘We demand the removal of obstacles in front of union organization. We want the expansion of collective bargaining scope, the advancement of union rights and freedoms, and an end to the dismissal of workers for being union members.’

• Ensuring justice in taxation
• Effective policies against the high cost of living
• Support for women, youth, and people with disabilities
• Improvements in minimum wage and social security

Statements by Tamer Kızılgün, Hospital Information Management System Workers Association

Tamer Kızılgün, a manager at the Hospital Information Management System Workers Association, stated that they came to defend their rights on May 1st, saying, ‘We came here on May 1st to defend our rights. As subcontracted workers, we reiterated our demand for a permanent position. We are waiting for the promises made by the ministry to be fulfilled.’

Expectations of Subcontracted Workers

Kızılgün mentioned, ‘While May 1st is a celebration for workers, it does not pass as a celebration for subcontracted workers. We are excluded from cadre according to Law No. 696. Our duties are critical and important. We demand the fulfillment of promises made by ministers regarding permanent positions. As subcontracted workers, we demand the protection of our rights.’