Workers in Türkiye’s Izmir go on strike over delayed wages, disrupting bus services

Workers from Izmir Metropolitan Municipality’s companies, including Izmir Energy Services and Construction Joint Stock Company (IZENERJI), Izmir Municipality Organization Vehicles Joint Stock Company (IZELMAN), and Aegean City Lines and Bus Management (ESHOT), went on strike over delayed payments of wages and social benefits. The protests involved marches, work stoppages and disruptions to bus services.

Why it matters

The strike highlighted ongoing tensions between Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and its labor force, driven by a financial crisis linked to Treasury deductions. The situation reflects broader economic challenges affecting local governments in Türkiye and their ability to maintain public services.

Details

• Worker grievances: The General Labor Union (Genel-Is) stated that workers had not received wages, year-end bonuses, or education allowances on time. The delays were attributed to Treasury deductions for social security (SGK) and tax debts.
• Protests escalate: Workers marched from Kulturpark to Basmane Square and later gathered at Hall 1 to demand immediate payment. ESHOT employees initially suspended bus services for 90 minutes, extending the strike to a full-day work stoppage.
• Impact on services: While metro, tram, and ferry services operated without interruption, bus services experienced significant disruptions, affecting thousands of daily commuters.

What they’re saying

• Labor unions: General Labor Union Izmir Branch 2 President Ercan Gul stated, “We are workers who tirelessly serve Izmir, yet we cannot receive our rightful wages and social benefits on time. We will continue our actions if a resolution is not reached.”
• Municipality officials: Mayor Cemil Tugay acknowledged the delays, promising that payments for employees in 29 municipal companies would be made immediately, with payments for three remaining companies completed within three days.

Izmir municipality response

In a statement signed by Mayor Tugay and shared via the municipality’s official social media account, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality attributed the delays to Treasury deductions:
“The temporary payment crisis caused by deductions from Treasury shares has been used as a pretext for unlawful strikes by some unions. While metro, tram, and ferry services are operating normally, there are partial disruptions in ESHOT services. We are working to resolve this extraordinary situation as quickly as possible.”

Zoom out

The labor action underscores financial strain faced by local governments across Türkiye, where Treasury deductions are affecting service delivery and labor relations. Izmir’s situation highlights the challenges of balancing fiscal pressures with ensuring uninterrupted public services and meeting workers’ demands.