03.12.2025 10:56
Maltepe Municipality workers staged a strike due to the non-payment of bonuses and training fees. The workers refused to go to their workplaces, resulting in the formation of serious garbage piles in the district. Local residents are complaining about the situation.
Approximately 2,000 workers employed by MATAŞ A.Ş., a subsidiary of Maltepe Municipality, began a work stoppage under Article 34 of the Labor Law due to the non-payment of bonuses and training fees that were due in October. Workers exercising their right to "refuse to work" did not go to their workplaces as of yesterday morning.
WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE HAS STOPPED
Workers affiliated with DİSK/Genel-İş Istanbul Anatolian Side Branch No. 2 gathered at the Cleaning Works Construction Site in Gülsuyu. Due to the lack of a clear payment date from the municipality, waste collection services in the district have stopped, municipal cafes have not opened, and park and garden maintenance work has not been carried out.
GARBAGE MOUNTAINS HAVE FORMED IN THE DISTRICT
Especially the garbage from the Kışlalı Street market, which is held on Mondays, was left on the streets. The overflowing containers in the streets have caused bad odors and sights, leading to the residents' reactions.
"PAYMENTS SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED UNTIL 2026"
Cleaning worker Zafer Yılmaz stated the following regarding the delayed payments: "Our bonuses and training fees have not been paid. Even our grocery shopping has stopped. We are in the last month of the year; payments for 2025 should not be delayed until 2026. They say 'we have no money.' Let us receive our rights, we will collect that garbage again."
It has been reported that negotiations between the union and the municipality are ongoing.
CITIZENS HAVE REBELLED
Reactions from district residents are noteworthy:
- Birgül Tor: I am 67 years old, I have never seen the market like this before. Everything is a disgrace.
- Müşerref Köse: I support the workers. People should receive the value of their labor. This problem has intensified with the new administration.
- Arif İbecik: I come from Sultanbeyli, there is no such scene there. The situation in Maltepe is heartbreaking.
- Yasin Albamya: Last year, garbage was not collected for a week. We are experiencing the same problem again.
- Orhan: Everywhere is filthy. Workers' rights should be given, otherwise the municipality should find a solution.