Public Bus Drivers Gather at KATAŞ-SEN

On January 13, 2022, public bus drivers working for subcontractors affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality gathered for breakfast at KATAŞ-SEN to discuss their demands for improved working conditions and a decent living wage. Drivers who joined the union for the first time had the opportunity to meet and chat with both the union and their colleagues. The public bus drivers, who gave examples of the problems they face, shared their most pressing concerns and demands. They stated that working hours are excessively long and demanding, wages are very low, company and unit managers use pressure and mobbing, drivers are constantly reporting and issuing fines for various reasons, they are subjected to violence from both passengers and other drivers, and they face physical assaults, assaults, and even armed attacks. They agreed that unionization and joint and organized action are essential to solving these problems. The drivers expressed their desire to fight together within the union and in the field.