Istanbul Private Bus Drivers Protest for Workplace Safety

October 10, 2021 Our Union's Press Release: STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST DRIVERS! Attacks on public transport drivers behind the wheel have increased like never before. It has become commonplace for angry people, for whatever reason, to direct their anger at us drivers, whether behind the wheel or in rest areas. Not a day goes by without one of our colleagues being assaulted or injured. We bus drivers live by the sweat of our brow, working for low wages, long hours, and deprived of all social benefits. As if the hardships we face as workers weren't enough, we are forced to endure physical attacks, insults, and humiliation every day. In a metropolis like Istanbul, under the most severe conditions of the pandemic and under completely vulnerable conditions, we, the drivers, who perform one of the most vital public service tasks, face complete indifference. The indifference and indifference of both subcontractors and the IETT (Istanbul Electricity and Sewerage Administration) are practically encouraging the attacks we face. The IETT, which bombards us with reports and fines at every opportunity and deducts our salaries, is deaf and dumb in the face of these attacks; subcontractors don't even care. Just like everywhere else, we workers have responsibilities, penalties, and no rights! Employers have the right to demand anything, but are not obligated to give anything! This can't go on like this! In the last year, our colleagues have been subjected to vital attacks in Kağıthane, Esenyurt, Sarıyer, Sancaktepe, and, just recently, in Bakırköy. Enough is enough! Public institutions must stand up for those of us who serve the public. Just as they punish on behalf of the public, they must also confront the attackers as the public! Let attackers know that when they turn on us, they will face the public force! The physical conditions of vehicles must be designed to protect the drivers! We will not be silent anymore! By strengthening our unity by using all our legal and legitimate rights, we will fix this broken wheel, this working order that does not treat the driver as a human being, together. Our only strength in the face of a work environment vulnerable to all kinds of attacks is our unity. We invite all our colleagues and friends to wear black ribbons throughout the week to raise awareness of these attacks. Our strength lies in our unity! No colleague will ever be left alone! We Demand Workplace Safety! We Don't Want to Die While Working! HABER: https://www.dha.com.tr/amp/gundem/mecidiyekoyde-sofore-siddete-hayir-eylemi-1855841