Eğitim-Sen women secretary, Derya Yolcu, said that the 20,000 teachers appointed on 18 March who could not start working because of the coronavirus pandemic, should have their rights respected. 

Reminding that the Ministry said that the procedures will be completed when the schools are opened again, Derya Yolcu added: "The procedures could indeed be completed electronically, as long as there is a will to do so. In addition, it is unpredictable when the schools will re-open. The risk of epidemics should be completely eliminated as this is in the best interests of children. The right to life comes before the right to receive education."

Noting that the teachers who have been appointed are leaving their current jobs, Yolcu said: "These teachers are been going through the pandemic process for weeks without income and health insurance. We are talking about 20,000 people who are preparing to move in, who are anxious and worried because of the uncertainty of their appointment."

Meanwhile, added Yolcu, "1 million teachers are trying to reach 18 million students day and night through distance education. However, the value attributed to the teaching profession is diminished by the policies of impoverishment and insecurity carried out by the government."

The government, said Yolcu, "sees the epidemic as an opportunity and the arrangements and measures taken do not have the seriousness necessary to combat the epidemic. One of these arrangements actually allowed bosses to fire workers in an easier way."

The union secretary underlined that they share all the problems in the education system and their solution suggestions in the 'Education Diaries' published during this pandemic process.

However Yolcu added: "As a proof of not living in a democratic country we can underline that the Ministry of National Education does not return any calls from outside the palace."

Yolcu sadi: "The unemployment, poverty and inequality we are living in this process of pandemic can only be overcome through democratic gains which appear only possible through solidarity and organized struggle. There is a lot to change and this process shows that we have the power to change things."