The Diyarbakır (Amed) Labour and Democracy Platform made a statement about the upcoming May Day celebrations at the branch office of the General Services Workers’ Union (Genel-İş) in Turkey, located in the Kayapınar (Peyas) district. During the announcement, a banner was displayed reading: “To May Day for the freedom of labour and a democratic society.”

Sebahat Sever, co-chair of the Diyarbakır branch of the General Services Workers’ Union, which is affiliated with the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK), stated: “The right to vote and to be elected, which forms the foundation of a democratic society, is being directly interfered with, and the will of the people is being disregarded. Local administrators elected by the people are being removed from office through political decisions. The government, which has ruled the country for 23 years, has practically declared war on every segment of society, from students and journalists to mayors and unionists, and even women, who are being forced back into the confines of the so-called ‘family’ structure, simply because they do not think like it or consent to its policies. The suppression of different opinions and the restriction of freedom of expression has become a clear threat not only to specific groups but to the entire society.”

Let us organize for the rights of all workers

Sebahat Sever stated that freedom of thought and expression is being violated and said: “The entire society is being left breathless. In conditions where democracy, justice, and the rule of law have been shelved, and where the will of the people and the most basic rights and freedoms have been suspended, it is impossible to speak of labour rights. Whether we are teachers or nurses, postal workers or train operators, doctors or court clerks, assistants or specialists, let us organize for the freedom of our labour.”

Sever continued: “There is no way out of this darkness unless we build a common struggle based on the principle that rights are not given, they are won through struggle. In the period ahead, we will either continue to lose together, or we will win by uniting, step by step.”

To be celebrated at Istasyon Square

Ahmet Gezen, a member of the May Day Organizing Committee, stated that regional rallies will be held in Diyarbakır and Van (Wan). He announced that the rally in Diyarbakır will take place at Istasyon Square and invited all citizens to join the celebration.