Veterinarians in Turkey Not Receiving Fees for Nine Months: 'Savings Cannot Be Made on Laborer's Sweat'

In a stark illustration of the economic hardships gripping Turkey, veterinary health workers are facing an unacceptable delay in receiving their rightful application fees, with some waiting for as long as nine months. This situation, highlighted by the Tarım Orman-İş Union, reveals a systemic failure to value the essential work performed by these professionals, who are crucial for public health and agricultural safety.

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The explanations like 'will be paid,' 'will be deposited,' and 'processing is underway' have lost their validity.

Yusuf Kurt, the General Chairman of the Tarım Orman-İş Union, rightly condemns the government's repeated assurances of payment as hollow, stating, 'The explanations like 'will be paid,' 'will be deposited,' and 'processing is underway' have lost their validity.' He emphasizes that ignoring the labor of those who combat infectious diseases, protect public health from zoonotic risks, and work under challenging conditions in rural areas is unacceptable. This prolonged non-payment exacerbates the suffering of workers already burdened by economic crisis, high inflation, and the rising cost of living.

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Ignoring the labor of those who combat infectious diseases, protect public health from zoonotic risks, and work under challenging conditions in rural areas is unacceptable.

Cumhuriyet, as a newspaper deeply committed to defending the rights of the working class, stands in solidarity with these veterinary health workers. We believe that 'savings cannot be made on the sweat of the laborer.' The demand for immediate and full payment of application fees is not just a matter of financial compensation; it is a matter of dignity and respect for their contributions. The union's threat to pursue legal avenues and utilize all democratic and union rights is a necessary step to ensure accountability. This issue reflects a broader concern about the government's economic policies and their impact on the livelihoods of its citizens, particularly those on the front lines of public service.

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It is unacceptable to leave people's labor unpaid for months; it further victimizes workers already crushed by the economic crisis, high inflation, and the cost of living.