HABAŞ reaction from DİSK, TMMOB, ATO and ASMMO: 'Billions of profiteering on one side, lives disregarded on the other side'

Following the explosion in the HABAŞ Iron and Steel Factory in Aliağa, Izmir, where 18 workers lost their lives, protests were held all over the country. DİSK, ATO, TMMOB and ASMMO made a press statement at Ankara Kızılay Selanik Street. The statement made here was read by DİSK Central Anatolia Regional Representative Birgül Kaya.

'RESPONSIBLE AKP GOVERNMENT'

Stating that what happened was not a work accident or fate, but a blatant massacre of workers, Kaya said, "The responsible for this is the capital order, which cheapens labor and reduces human life to the account of profit, and the AKP government, which continues the policies of this order."

'THINGS THAT HAPPENED CAN BE PREVENTED'

Reminding that what happened in HABAŞ was not isolated and that workers had lost their lives in the same factory in the past years, Kaya pointed out that the failure to take the necessary precautions and the ineffectiveness of the inspections once again showed that what happened was preventable.

'THE ORDER DISCLAIMS THE LIVES OF WORKERS'

Kaya continued his words as follows: "While the country is awash with fund heists and corruption in which billions of liras change hands, some people are adding to their fortunes, while workers are condemned to work deprived of the most basic security measures. On one side, there are profiteers worth billions of liras, and on the other hand, the lives of the workers are disregarded. This order they have created disregards the lives of the workers in order to protect the profits of the bosses."

"NOT A COST ITEM, BUT A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT"

Stating that worker health and safety is not a cost item but a fundamental right, Kaya said, "Privatization, subcontracting, insecurity, deunionization and lack of control policies should be put to an end. Ensuring safe working conditions in workplaces is the responsibility of employers, and effective and independent inspection is the responsibility of the public. The field of worker health and safety should be reorganized with a public, scientific and independent understanding with the participation of unions, professional organizations, universities and scientists.

The workplace murder in Aliağa should be investigated independently and transparently; Working conditions in the workplace, precautions not taken and inspection processes should be revealed in all their aspects. Negligent employers and public officials must be held accountable before the judiciary. Workers' right to organized, safe and healthy work must be guaranteed.

We will not forget the 17 workers who lost their lives in Aliağa and all the workers we lost in workplace murders, and we will not let them be forgotten. We will continue our struggle until a working life is established where no worker loses his life while working. We will expand the organized struggle against workplace murders, insecurity and impunity!” he said.