KESK (Confederation of Public Workers’ Unions) Mersin Branch Platform said that as part of their action to have dismissed workers reinstated they will call on their members to not vote for the AKP.

At a press conference held in Mersin’s Özgür Çocuk Park (Free Child Park), the public workers trade union said that their slogan will be: “KESK members will not give their vote to the AKP on 24 June".

Thousands of workers and KESK members were sacked after the State of Emergency (OHAL) was first imposed, soon after the failed coup of 15 July 2016.

The statement read by KESK officials asked for the lifting of the State of Emergency which is actually badly hitting democracy. The trade union opened banners at the park saying, ‘Democracy in danger!’ and ‘We want our jobs back’.

Speaking on behalf of the platform, Sinan Muşlu, Eğitim Sen (Education Union) branch secretary, reminded that the AKP government had first said that the State of Emergency would only last for 45 days. “Today we are living the 22nd month of State of Emergency”.

Muşlu added that “the State of Emergency and statutory decrees are used to get rid of social opposition which is considered an obstacle to the one-man regime they want to create. A regime which has implemented many anti-labour policies”.

During the 22 months of State of Emergency, said Muşlu “the Constitution was actually violated, and the principle of separation of powers was cancelled”.

Muşlu reiterated the union’s pledge to work for the reinstatement of all workers who have been denied of their rights. The union executive stated that in the 24 June snap elections, KESK members have been asked to not give their vote to the AKP, pointing out that the AKP policies are actually aimed at humiliating society.

The press conference ended with the workers and union executives chanting slogans.