Lawmaker warns Dicle University over alleged union pressure

Sezgin Tanrıkulu, a lawmaker from the Yeni Parti, has voiced serious concerns over alleged union-busting activities at Dicle University. He highlighted that the Devrimci Sağlık-İş union, affiliated with DİSK, has achieved the right to conduct collective bargaining in the healthcare sector, including at Dicle University Hospital.

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There are serious allegations that workers are being forced to resign.

Tanrıkulu cited "serious allegations" based on media reports and information from union officials. These claims suggest the Dicle University Rectorate is interfering with workers' union choices, urging them not to join Devrimci Sağlık-İş. Furthermore, some workers who are already members are reportedly being forced to resign from the union.

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Interfering with workers' union organizing, pressuring them regarding their union choice, and forcing them to resign from membership is unacceptable.

The lawmaker, also a lawyer, emphasized the legal ramifications of such alleged interference. He stated that pressuring workers regarding their union affiliation and forcing them to resign violates the constitution, collective bargaining laws, and other labor regulations. Tanrıkulu pointed out that these actions could also constitute a crime under Article 118 of the Turkish Penal Code.

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Such conduct is contrary to the Constitution, collective bargaining, strike and lockout legislation, and laws regulating union rights.

He issued a direct warning to the Dicle University Rectorate, urging them to respect constitutional rights. Tanrıkulu stressed that the rectorate must remain impartial in this process and cannot interfere with union organizing. He called for an end to the pressure on workers regarding their union choices and demanded respect for the freedom of unionization and the constitutional rights of employees.

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The Rectorate must be impartial in this process. You cannot interfere with union organizing.