Turkey's PTT Institution Criticized for Losing Functionality, Employee Concerns Raised

Ünal Ateş, the founding provincial chairman of the NEW Party in Kahramanmaraş, has voiced strong criticism regarding the current state of the PTT, Turkey's long-standing postal service. Ateş asserted that the institution, once a cornerstone of communication, has lost its functional significance over the years.

He pointed to the privatization of the telecommunications sector, specifically the sale of the PTT's telekom division to the Hariri family during the AKP government's tenure. Ateş argued that this, along with subsequent changes, has diminished the effectiveness of postal, telegraph, and cargo services. He emphasized the strategic importance of communication infrastructure and called for the PTT to be restored to an effective operational capacity.

Ateş expressed particular concern for the approximately 390 PTT employees whose job security has become precarious following the enactment of Law No. 7590. He explained that employees are now tied to management boards, and their futures depend on board decisions. Furthermore, Article 108 of the law allows for contract terminations if an operational area shrinks, leading to significant unrest among staff. "I truly struggle to understand the AK Party's approach to laborers and labor," Ateş stated, describing the employees' hard work in all weather conditions and condemning any action that jeopardizes their livelihoods.

"If you finish the PTT, if you render the PTT dysfunctional or close it, you will have done one of the greatest harms possible to this country," Ateş warned. He drew parallels with privatizations in the natural gas and electricity sectors, stressing that communication and postal services are equally strategic. He urged AKP officials to show compassion for PTT employees, stating, "I am warning the AKP officials once again from here. I want conscience for the PTT employees."