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Retirees protest for 28 weeks: 'We want collective bargaining, not charity.' in Turkey
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey /Culture & Society

Retirees protest for 28 weeks: 'We want collective bargaining, not charity.' in Turkey

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Retirees in Izmir, Turkey, have been protesting for 28 weeks against low pensions and poverty policies.
  • They demand collective bargaining rights and humane living conditions, rejecting unilateral pension increases.
  • The protesters, organized by the All Retirees Union, highlight the necessity of working despite old age due to insufficient income.

Retirees in Izmir, Turkey, continue their 28-week sit-in protest, demanding fair wages and living conditions. Participants from the All Retirees Union Platform voiced their frustration over low pensions and what they describe as poverty-inducing policies. Despite their advanced age, many feel compelled to work to make ends meet.

The union members reject the government's unilateral pension adjustments, advocating instead for the right to collective bargaining. They seek not just a meager handout, but a living wage that allows for dignity and security in their retirement years. Their persistent demonstration underscores a deep dissatisfaction with the current economic situation affecting pensioners across the country.

We want collective bargaining, not charity.

โ€” ProtestersDuring their 28-week protest in Izmir, Turkey, retirees expressed their demands.

The ongoing protest in Konak highlights the growing discontent among the elderly population who feel their contributions are not being adequately recognized or compensated. The retirees are determined to continue their actions until their demands for fair treatment and improved living standards are met.

We are forced to work despite our old age to survive.

โ€” All Retirees Union membersHighlighting the economic hardship faced by pensioners.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.