Atakum Municipality workers launch hunger strike over unpaid wages

Workers at the Atakum Municipality in Samsun have escalated their protests, launching a hunger strike following five months of unpaid wages and outstanding receivables. The workers, numbering approximately 1,500 across various unions including Tez-Koop-İş and Genel-İş, have established a protest tent in front of the municipal building.

Protest leaders report that the municipality has failed to provide a clear payment schedule or a reliable plan for future salary disbursements. While the administration suggested seeking credit from the Provinces Bank (İller Bankası) to cover arrears, no funds have been secured. Workers are demanding not only the immediate payment of back wages and bonuses but also a binding, transparent schedule to ensure regular payments moving forward.

In addition to financial demands, employees have alleged instances of workplace pressure and threats of dismissal for participating in the protests. A critical meeting between union representatives and Atakum Mayor Serhat Türkel is expected to address the workers' demands and the potential resolution of the ongoing strike.