Med anledning av den turkiska presidents besök i Stockholm har det svenska facket uppmärksammat förtrycket av de fackliga rättigheter och förföljande av fackliga förtroendevalde och fackliga aktivister. TOC-LO-SACO har haft en gemensam debattartikel i Aftonbladet som kan hittas via denna länk: http://www.aftonbladet.se/debatt/article16394082.ab

Vision har idag skickat ett brev till den turkiska statsminister, där vi fördömer övergreppen. Läs mer nedan:

Dear Prime Minister,

It is with great concern we, the Swedish public service trade union Vision, follow the development concerning our imprisoned Turkish trade union colleagues. On the 19^th of February 2013, more than 167 trade union leaders were arrested which 63 still remain in jail.

There are reasons to express deep concern about the situation of our trade union colleagues. To arrest people because of participation in union activities, to represent the members of the union or participating in demonstrations cannot be the basis for prosecution or imprisonment. These actions are simply human rights.

Trade union rights are being oppressed, not only are trade union members arrested, but also are the right to organize and the right to collective bargaining limited. Trade union rights, as part of human rights and democracy are basic elements of the EU. It is our wish that Turkey’s ongoing negotiations of EU-membership will alert the Turkish government of the current situation.

We call on the Turkish Government to take necessary steps to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all 63 trade union leaders. We also urge Turkey to abide its international obligations to secure human and trade union rights and the freedom of its workers.