MEPs support the struggle for trade union rights in Turkey
The European Metalworkers’ Federation (EMF) is holding a conference in Istanbul next Tuesday on the topic of “Social dialogue and Corporate Social Responsibility – trade union activities in Turkey”. This is in response to the many reported cases of violation of trade union rights and of hindrance of trade union activities in the metalworking sector but also in many other industrial sectors in Turkey.
The EMF has received support for its activities in relation to this issue from the Socialist Group in the European Parliament in a letter from the MEPs Jan Andersson (Sweden) and Stephen Hughes (UK). The letter is attached to this press release.
"We very much welcome the strong support the EMF has received from the EP Socialist Group concerning trade union and workers’ rights in Turkey. The EMF will continue lobbying for support from other Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission" said Peter Scherrer, the EMF General Secretary. "Full respect for civil and trade union rights in Turkey is one of the preconditions for accession to the European Union, but at the same time we have to ensure that multinationals are forced to respect at least the minimum standards stipulated in the ILO conventions", he added.
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PRESS 24/2007
The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.
For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer, EMF General Secretary
