Turkish Union Reports 10 Teachers Fired After Strike at Italian High School

The Tez-Koop-İş Union has announced that 10 teachers at the Istanbul Private Italian High School have had their employment contracts terminated. This action follows a strike initiated on February 2, 2026, concerning union rights and working conditions. The union described the school management's actions as disregarding the law and opposing labor.

According to the union's statement, a significant phase was reached on June 4, 2026, when the school management signed a reconciliation text, which was equivalent to a collective bargaining agreement. However, the school administration has reportedly refused to recognize this agreement and has retaliated against the workers by terminating employment contracts. The union highlighted the teachers' determined stance throughout the process and affirmed their support at every stage.

Tez-Koop-İş criticized the school management for exploiting the perceived anti-democratic environment in Turkey. The union stated that the management chose "revenge against the workers through dismissals" instead of adhering to the signed agreement. The union emphasized that the struggle for workers' rights is ongoing and not a straightforward path.

The union declared that legal proceedings have been initiated, and they are persistently pursuing initiatives with relevant ministries and international organizations. Tez-Koop-İş reiterated its full support for the teachers' "just and honorable struggle" and expressed confidence in their eventual victory. The union stated, "The class struggle is not an unimpeded, straight road. Indeed, seizing the opportunity of the anti-democratic environment in Turkey, the school management insisted on not recognizing the signed agreement and chose the path of taking revenge on the workers through dismissals. But this struggle is not over yet!"