TO THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC
STOP DRIVER DEATHS AND ILLEGALITY!
As the International Drivers Association USD & KATAŞ-SEN (Road Transport Workers' Union), we declare that the humanitarian crisis experienced by hundreds of thousands of heavy-duty and international drivers who shoulder the burden of Türkiye and the world must be recognized by everyone.
This statement is a call to action to all institutions, organizations, ministries, and the public who remain silent in the face of the increasing loss of life.
DEATHS BEHIND THE WHEEL MUST END.
THESE ARE NOT WORK ACCIDENTS, THEY ARE MURDER!
Heart attacks, brain hemorrhages, and fatigue-related accidents while driving are increasing exponentially, and this is no coincidence. These are the direct result of the brutal lack of regulation and oversight in the sector. Our drivers, who work under extreme stress, long working hours that exceed human limits, sleep deprivation, and constant work pressure, are being disregarded for their lives.
Companies have systematically implemented practices such as taking drivers' electronic payments, hanging surety bonds around their necks, abandoning drivers on the road in the face of unlawful acts, and firing them without even paying their wages. We possess evidence, audio recordings, and correspondence supporting these practices.
The serious allegations against companies such as Kaya Tur, Akar Logistics, Olgunlar Nakliyat, Mutlular Transport, and many others demonstrate the extent of the lack of regulation and victimization of drivers in the sector.We will present these allegations to the judicial authorities and ministries.
NGOs, federations, and chambers that have claimed to represent drivers for years, with their complete silence in the face of these deaths, are knowingly and willingly serving to perpetuate the current unregulated system.
As drivers who carry the burden of Türkiye and the world, we demand the following urgent demands from the relevant ministries and regulatory bodies to ensure our safety and the reputation of our profession:
1. Considering the specific risks inherent in heavy vehicle and international driving, the "Driver Profession Law" should be immediately brought to the agenda of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and passed into law.
2. The most severe penalties should be introduced for "employment but non-payment," ensuring that all wages are paid through banks and that social security premiums are paid based on actual wages.
3. Conducting rigorous audits to eliminate illegal "guarantee bond" practices and mobbing practices. Furthermore, audit irregularities should be uncovered.
4. Recognize fatalities resulting from long working hours caused by pressure from companies as workplace accidents, and initiate mandatory health and psychological support programs for drivers.
5. Strengthen employer oversight, and establish mechanisms to ensure legal protection for drivers (especially in cases of undocumented immigrants beyond the driver's control).
6. Take measures at customs and waiting points to immediately ensure drivers' humane rest and hygiene conditions and to shorten waiting times.
As the International Drivers Association and KATAŞ-SEN, we announce that we will continue this campaign, launched for our drivers' right to life, through legal channels, in parliament, at the ministries, and with public support, until the end.
#DriversRightToLife #DriversWillNotDeath #SayStopRulelessness #IfWeStop,TheWorldStops
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of the International Drivers Association
President Fikri Beran
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of the Road Transport Workers' Union (KATAŞ-SEN)
President Şahin Başaraner
