Labor Unions Protest Governorate's May 1 Restriction In Istanbul

A group of members of labor unions such as Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DİSK) and Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK) staged a protest in Istanbul’s İstiklal street aiming to discourage authorities from closing Taksim square for upcoming May Day celebrations.

The group shouted slogans and marched along the street while riot police teams deterred them from reaching Taksim by setting barricade at the end of the street. DİSK Secretary General Arzu Çerkezoğlu read the press statement on behalf of the group in front of the police barricade.

Çerkezoğlu blamed the government for being disrespectful to workers’ rights and values. “As millions desiring to work humanly, to live humanly, we will shout our aspiration for democracy, peace and equality everywhere across the country on May 1.To close Taksim square for May Day celebrations is no different from cutting thousands of olive trees in one night, destroying forests or to drain rivers despite court orders and people’s will,” Çerkezoğlu added reading the statement.

SHOTLIST
TURKEY, ISTANBUL, 25 APRIL 2015

VAR of the group holding a banner and marching
People shouting slogans
Çerkezoğlu reading press statement
Police barricade

DURATION: 01:58