AZİZ ORUÇ
Journalists at Sputnik's Turkey office, where 24 were laid off, have announced a new phase in their ongoing strike that has surpassed 200 days. Banu Tuna, General Secretary of the Journalists Union of Turkey (TGS), stated that they are moving to a new stage of struggle, ending their picket actions but continuing the strike.
The dispute began when contract negotiations at Sputnik reached a deadlock, leading TGS to call a strike on July 24. In response, Sputnik's management fired all 24 union member journalists on August 7. The union then initiated a strike on August 17. The journalists combined the strike with a picket action that lasted 200 days.
During this period, the journalists faced numerous challenges and pressures. The Sputnik employer filed a criminal complaint against eight journalists and members of the TGS Board, alleging that their action violated the Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations. Following the complaint, the eight journalists gave statements at the police station.
The dismissed journalists had filed lawsuits against Sputnik. Workplace representative Nejdet Eksilmez won his reinstatement lawsuit at the first hearing.
The journalists, who have been fighting in front of Sputnik's office in Süzer Plaza, Gümüşsuyu, Istanbul, for 200 days, have now moved their protest to a new phase.
Tuna, speaking to the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), discussed the 200-day struggle and the new decision. The strike, which began after the dismissal of the journalists, entered its 200th day on March 3. Tuna remarked, "Our colleagues stood picket in rain, storm, and scorching sun for 200 days. They received considerable support and solidarity. Civil society, international and national professional organizations, labor-friendly political parties, and fellow workers from other unions did not leave them alone. There's a bus stop right in front of the strike location in Istanbul. Even IETT drivers honked in solidarity as they passed."
"Our strike has entered a new phase as of March 4. We will end our picket at the Sputnik Turkey Offices and continue to pursue legal action to defend our members' rights, as we received no response to our negotiation efforts," Tuna added.
She also criticized the lack of response from the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and the Presidency of Communications. "Sputnik, a Russian state agency, has violated every relevant law of this country, yet neither RTÜK nor the Communications Directorate has reacted. These institutions, which readily penalize and investigate especially the opposition media for minor issues, have turned a blind eye when it comes to Sputnik. Our strike is not only against Sputnik but also the Russian Federation. We will continue to demonstrate our determination in this regard if the state institutions of Turkey will not protect their own laws."
Tuna emphasized that the decision to end the picket was made with the consent of the striking colleagues, adding, "The picket has ended, but the strike continues. Our strike banner will remain hanging in front of the Sputnik offices. TGS, as always, will continue to stand by its members both financially and morally."
