Train conductors initiate work stoppage on Marmaray, protesting against proposed compensation changes
In Turkey, a nationwide labor dispute has led to disruptions on the Marmaray line, a major commuter rail system connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The protest, sparked by public sector workers' dissatisfaction with the government's proposed wage increases, has resulted in trains being halted or operating on altered routes.
The ongoing sit-in protests have been reported across all 81 provinces in Turkey, with the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Turk-Is) leading the charge against the government's wage proposals. The dispute over the public sector framework agreement covers wage increases for more than 600,000 public employees, including those operating the Marmaray line.
On Thursday, train services on the Marmaray line experienced disruptions. Trains between Pendik and Atakoy were instead operating between Sogutlucesme and Zeytinburnu for one day due to maintenance, although workers' refusal to operate trains was also a contributing factor. The surface-level Sirkeci-Kazlicesme line was also suspended for the same period due to maintenance work.
The government's latest offer includes a 17% wage increase for the first half of 2025 and a 10% increase for the second half. However, unions have demanded more substantial raises, seeking a 50% increase for the first six months and a 25% increase for the second six months.
Turk-Is Chairman Ergun Atalay has warned that over 600,000 public sector employees in Turkey could launch a nationwide strike starting Aug. 26 if wage negotiations do not result in a deal. The current proposals are seen as inadequate, leading to growing worker unrest as workers demand a minimum daily wage of 1,800 lira and better wage increases to counter the rising cost of living.
The economic context also adds pressure to the situation. Turkey's economic situation, including a need to increase defense spending, could lead to further austerity measures, exacerbating worker discontent. The protest on the Marmaray line is part of a broader labor dispute involving multiple unions, with the Marmaray line's drivers refusing to operate trains as part of the protest.
Marmaray, operated by the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, attributed the disruptions to "general maintenance". The rail system serves around 600,000 passengers daily, making the disruptions a significant inconvenience for commuters. The announcement did not specify the duration of the disruptions beyond one day, leaving passengers in limbo as to when normal service will resume.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the government and the unions are under pressure to find a resolution that addresses workers' demands while maintaining economic stability. The potential for a nationwide strike looms large, with workers across Turkey holding firm in their demands for fair wages and working conditions.
- The nationwide labor dispute in Turkey, led by Turk-Is, is affecting more than 600,000 public employees, including those operating the Marmaray line in Istanbul.
- On August 26, over 600,000 public sector employees in Turkey could launch a nationwide strike if wage negotiations do not meet their demands, which include a 50% wage increase during the first six months of 2022.
- The Marmaray line, a significant public-transit system connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, has been experiencing disruptions due to the ongoing labor dispute, causing inconvenience for approximately 600,000 daily passengers.
- In addition to the labor dispute in the Turkish public sector, the financing of potential austerity measures, including increased defense spending, could further strain the existing tension between the government and the unions, particularly in the context of the increasing cost of living.
