The Van (Wan) Labour and Democracy Platform made a statement regarding May Day at the office of the Branches Platform of the Confederation of Public Workers’ Unions (KESK). Engin Işık, the current spokesperson for the union in the city, stated that as workers and labourers, they would not accept being condemned to high living costs, poverty, unemployment, and a future without hope.

Işık said: “We know how to live together in peace and share with justice. We can establish peace and justice on this land. What matters is not allowing our country to be turned into an open-air prison for everyone except a small privileged minority. We can live freely. What matters is building a system in which not just one person, but all of us, have a voice and the power to decide. What matters is showing those who try to preserve their rule by imprisoning journalists, unionists, artists, academics, mayors, political opponents, and young people who truly hold power.”

Musa Anter Park

Işık stated that they would gather in May Day squares under the slogan “We will win.” He said: “We, the millions who create all the values and beauty of this country, are its true owners. When we are organized and united, there is no force greater than us. That is why a handful of capital and power holders will lose. We will win, the people will win. When we win, democracy, justice, peace, brotherhood, labour, this country, and its people will win.”

Işık announced that May Day will be celebrated in Van at Musa Anter Park and called on the public to attend the event.