02.06.2025 12:10
With the deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations in İzmir, the ongoing strike has disrupted services, prompting İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Cemil Tugay to take to the streets to collect garbage. Engaging in a discussion with the striking workers, Tugay expressed his frustration by saying, "You will not sink the municipality. I will find someone to do this work." There was also a scuffle between citizens cleaning along the Kordon and the striking workers.
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The strike of workers continues as no results have emerged from the collective bargaining negotiations concerning approximately 23,000 employees in the subsidiaries of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. The strike of workers who are members of the General-İş Union, working in various service areas at İZELMAN, İZENERJİ, and EGEŞEHİR companies, is disrupting services in the city.
PRESIDENT TUGAY ALSO PARTICIPATED IN GARBAGE COLLECTION
Stating that the environmental problems caused by the strike threaten public health, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay went to Alsancak Kordon on the evening of June 1, supporting garbage collection efforts alongside workers who did not join the strike. Tugay emphasized that the prolongation of the process would make urban life even more difficult and reiterated the call for consensus in the collective bargaining agreement.
"YOU WILL NOT BANKRUPT THE MUNICIPALITY"
During a discussion with striking workers, President Tugay expressed his reaction to the situation by saying, "You will not bankrupt the municipality. I can find people to do this work."
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ESCALATED TENSIONS
On the other hand, the accumulated garbage, especially on Alsancak, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Street, and Kordon, drew reactions from both city residents and tourists. Some citizens began to collect garbage with cleaning materials they had in their hands. However, this situation was deemed "strike-breaking" by the workers exercising their right to strike.
VERBAL DISPUTE TURNED INTO PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
In the incident that occurred on Kordon, a verbal exchange took place between some citizens cleaning and the striking workers. The tension between the parties quickly escalated into physical intervention. The fight ended before it could grow larger, thanks to the intervention of nearby citizens. Those moments were captured on a mobile phone camera.
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