Nakliyat-İş Union Holds Press Statement in Saraçhane on May 1st

On May 1st, International Workers' Day, members of the Nakliyat-İş Union, a prominent affiliate of the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), gathered in Istanbul's Saraçhane district to deliver a powerful message. Their press statement served not only to commemorate the historic 1886 labor uprising in Chicago but also to underscore the persistent struggles faced by the working class worldwide.

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We greet the 140th anniversary of the labor struggle in Chicago in 1886 with struggle. They honor the heroic May 1st of the working class; the symbol of relentless struggle against capitalist barbarism, with new class struggles, determination, and internationalist solidarity.

The union's address resonated with a strong anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist stance. They drew parallels between historical labor battles and contemporary challenges, emphasizing that the core demands of the 1886 pioneers remain relevant. The statement decried the deepening crisis of capitalism, rising social inequalities, and the global assault on democratic freedoms and trade union rights, painting a grim picture of the current geopolitical landscape.

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The unprovoked deadly attack of Israel on Iran, the occupation of Venezuela and the kidnapping of its legitimate president, and the attempt to suffocate the country's economy and people through terrorist threats and energy embargoes against socialist Cuba; have once again revealed the hypocrisy, insidious nature, and inhumane nature of imperialism in all its nakedness.

Nakliyat-İş did not shy away from criticizing what they termed the 'inhumane nature of imperialism.' Specific examples were cited, including Israel's actions towards Iran, the situation in Venezuela, and the economic pressures faced by Cuba. These references were used to illustrate a broader critique of global power dynamics, militarization driven by organizations like NATO and the EU, and the imposition of austerity measures on working populations. The union asserted that the working class's response to these pressures must be one of continued struggle, not submission, particularly highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups like women, youth, and migrant workers.

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The response of the working class cannot be submission.