Consensus Could Not Be Achieved In İZBAN Collective Bargaining Negotiations

No consensus could be reached on the Collective Labor Agreement concerning 330 workers in İzmir Suburban Transport System Ticaret AŞ (İZBAN). "We want to end the contract where the faces will laugh," said Hamdullah Giral, Head of Izmir Branch of Railroad-İş Union.

According to the news of Aycan Karadağ from Birgün; "Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the Republic of Turkey State Railways (TCDD), partner companies and city workers who transport the lifeblood of Izmir Commuter Transportation System Trade AŞ (İZBAN), Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) no compromise in negotiations. The 14.60 percent hike given by the employer was not accepted by the authorized Izmir Branch of the Railways Labor Union.

Since the agreement cannot be reached, the 15-day mediation process begins. The mediator will report the outcome of the meeting within 6 days at the end of this period. If no consensus is reached during the mediation process, the Izmir Branch of the Railway - İş Union has to declare a strike within 60 days according to the law.

Speaking to BirGün on the subject, Hamdullah Giral, Head of Izmir Branch of the Demiryol İş Union, stated that the rate of raise given was insufficient and said, “We held our last meeting. Conflict has occurred. The process continues. All workers work for the minimum wage. The raise rate given is insufficient. If we are equal, we want equal pay. We want the raise rate for the municipality's companies We explained our problem to the TCDD Directorate and the municipality. We want to end the contract where the faces laugh. These salaries are not enough for us. We want to bring bread to our house, ”he said.