Panelsan factory workers in Ankara face truck attacks during labor protest

Workers at the Panelsan Çatı Cephe Sistemleri A.Ş. plant in the Ankara Polatlı Organize Sanayi Bölgesi began a sit‑in on 3 August demanding the establishment of a collective‑bargaining table and the reinstatement of two dismissed employees. On the second day a service vehicle was driven onto the demonstrators, and on the third day a large truck was driven onto the workers and branch managers, while company trucks surrounded the site to create a de‑facto blockade.

The union Birleşik Metal‑İş condemned the actions as violent intimidation, called for the immediate return of the two fired workers, and urged the employer to open constructive dialogue. Although the Ministry of Labour and Social Security had approved the union’s authority to negotiate, the plant management challenged the decision and escalated pressure on the protesters. Panelsan, which exports to more than 30 countries, faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the labor dispute.