Turkish employees at US bases may decide on strike

ADANA - Doğan News Agency

A Turkish F-16 jet approaches the tarmac of Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey. REUTERS Photo

Collective bargaining has broken down between U.S.-based companies operating at U.S. military sites across Turkey and Turkish employees working under the banner of trade union Türk Harb-İş, leading to the prospect of a strike, union officials have said.

“No agreement was achieved on 14 clauses, including salary rises and overtime pays, during the negotiations that took two years,” said union leader Bayram Bozdal.

The areas affected include the 39th Air Base Wing at southern Turkey’s İncirlik military base, as well as facilities in Ankara and İzmir, while the employers are WBR, AAFES and TUSLOG.

“The appointed mediator also could not reach a solution. We could take a strike decision [today]. We hold the right to start a strike in 60 days after such a decision. We have told the U.S. employer that we will be available for meetings after a strike decision,” he said.

The Turkish employees on the bases work in areas related to electricity maintenance, carpentry, the refectory, hospitals and firefighting.