Published Mon, Feb 13th, 2017
Mesut FIRAT
General Secretary
Education and Science Workers’ Union of Turkey (EĞİTİM-SEN)
Willy Brandt Sokak No: 13
Cinnah Caddesi Cankaya
Ankara
Turkey
Brussels, 9 February 2017
Subject: Solidarity with EĞİTİM-SEN
Dear colleagues,
EI/ETUCE express their strong resentment over the adoption of emergency decree No. 686 by the Turkish authorities on 7 February 2017, which resulted in the unjustified dismissals of 2,585 education personnel employed in the Turkish Ministry of Education, among whom are Mr. Mesut FIRAT, EĞİTİM-SEN General Secretary, and several EĞİTİM-SEN administrative officers.
This action – the latest in a series of punitive measures taken against the Turkish education community – not only violates human and trade union rights but also poses a threat to quality education for all. In the last few months, we have repeatedly appealed on the Turkish government to rescind the unlawful measures and to respect their international commitments and obligations. We have also warned them about the negative effects this situation can have on the future of Turkish society. The fact that the authorities keep turning a blind eye on the international education community’s demands will not silence our voices.
EI/ETUCE express their full solidarity with our colleagues from EĞİTİM-SEN affected by the continuous infringements of fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey. In order to reaffirm their solidarity and support and obtain a direct insight into the impact of the emergency measures on Turkish education personnel, EĞİTİM-SEN, its members and the education sector as a whole, EI/ETUCE are organising a new mission to Ankara, Turkey, on 27-28 February 2017.
EI/ETUCE and your 32 million colleagues worldwide stand by your side.
In solidarity,
Susan Flocken Fred van Leeuwen
European Director General Secretary
ETUCE Education International
