May Day 2012: Police use violence once more to attack a gathering in Taksim Square. 12 workers were detained when the police intervened with the use of tear gas and water cannons against the protestors.

“All roads lead to Taksim” isn’t the most original phrase ever coined, but it’s certainly a maxim that holds true in Turkey, and especially İstanbul, with just a few weeks remaining until 1 May, International Workers’ Day.

ETUC conveys its condolences for the tragic loss of 15-year-old, victim of the police violence in Turkey… Turkish Government must halt its violent response to opposition

A million people attend the funeral of Berkin Elvan, the 15-year-old boy who died from injuries suffered during last year’s anti-government protests. Police intervened in demonstrations with tear gas and chemical water. Many injured… See video and photo galery…

Berkin Elvan, who has been in a coma since June 2013 after being struck in the head by a gas canister during a police crackdown on Gezi Park protests in Istanbul.

Regardless of whether people supported or opposed the movement, everything in Turkey is conceived in the context of pre and post Gezi. The workers participating in the protests seek to become a member of unions and assume responsibilities. Customized Gezi slogans are now being transformed for strikes.

On 23-24 January, the international delegation will attend the first hearing of a lawsuit against KESK’s members and leaders in Istanbul. They are part of the 167 persons arrested on the 19 February 2013 during a police raid carried out in the whole country and denounced by ITUC.

DİSK organized a solidarity demonstration with KCTU, in front of the Korean Consulate in Istanbul. DISK President Kani Beko, read a press statement about the demonstration. During his speech, he strongly condemned the police attack against KRWU and KCTU.

On Global Labour Column, Emre Eren Korkmaz focuses on the importance of International Framework Agreements (IFAs). Korkmaz draws on a case study of how Spanish trade unions support Turkish trade unions, in order to unite with workers of unorganised companies in Inditex supply chain.

Report on “Trade Union Rights Situation in Turkey” of EU-Turkey Joint Consultative Committee was published. You may find English and Turkish versions of the report which underlines there are major gaps in compliance with international standards.