27.05.2025 11:41
In the Süleymanpaşa district of Tekirdağ, Halil Sayı, a wrestling chief who runs a meatball shop, has closed the shutters of his store, which he has operated for years, due to the inability to find staff. A sign reading "Closed due to lack of personnel" was placed on the shop's window.
Tekirdağ Wrestling Chief Halil Sayı stated that he has been in the meatball business since 1966 and has made a name for himself with his delicious food. However, he mentioned that in recent years he has struggled to find qualified staff, and even unskilled individuals demand high wages in a short time. As a result, Sayı closed his shop, putting up a sign on the window that read "Closed due to lack of staff."
"I CLOSED BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIND STAFF"
Halil Sayı said, "Why did I close this place? First, due to lack of staff. Second, they ask for 2,000 lira for 8 hours. These are unskilled workers. You can't even keep the skilled ones. When summer comes, everyone runs away for a few pennies. I closed this business not because I couldn't make money, but because I couldn't find staff," he stated.
"IT HURTS ME"
Sayı emphasized his expertise in the sector, saying, "I have been doing this job since 1966. If there is anyone who makes better meatballs after this place was established, I will change my name. I have never served my customers something I wouldn't eat myself. I feel very sorry for my customers. People come here from Istanbul and Izmir, but they turn back. It hurts me," he expressed.
"I PAID 45-50 THOUSAND LIRA SALARY AND STILL COULDN'T FIND STAFF"
Halil Sayı stated that he paid his staff a monthly salary of 45 to 50 thousand lira and raised their salaries every three months, saying, "I was employing a total of 8 people, 7 men and 1 woman. My son said, 'Dad, we are losing money, the money we give doesn't stay with us.' Am I going to feed people here in the winter? I got angry and closed it," he explained why he closed the business.
"APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL, OTHERWISE PROFESSIONS WILL DISAPPEAR"
Sayı, who also complained about the inadequacy of apprenticeship training, said, "Comprehensive training should be provided regarding this apprenticeship training. It should be given great importance and emphasized. Otherwise, professions will disappear. Why aren't we training staff? Because everyone wants little work, a lot of money, and plenty of vacation," he stated.
"I CAME THIS FAR BY LOVING MY JOB"
Sayı, who said, "I started in 1966 with 2.5 lira. I came here with my own two hands, working, not from my mother, father, or wife. Because I loved my job, I loved myself," emphasized that he has come this far through his own efforts.