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FLA calls for justice following armed assault targeting DERITEKS union leader in Türkiye factory

Issues Advocacy Freedom of Association & Collective Bargaining

WASHINGTON, DC, February 12, 2024 — The Fair Labor Association (FLA) is deeply distressed by the shooting of Mr. Makum Alagoz, President of the DERITEKS union in Türkiye, earlier today at a garment factory in Izmir.

While full details of the incident remain unclear, preliminary information suggests that the shooting occurred at one of the workplaces where DERITEKS has an active Collective Bargaining Agreement in place and holds the majority membership. The factory reportedly had recently filed for bankruptcy, with discussions between the union and the employer regarding the payment of severance and other compensation for workers ongoing at the time of the assault.

FLA stands in solidarity with Mr. Alagoz, his family, and DERITEKS, and wishes him a speedy recovery. We encourage Turkish authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators involved in this attack to justice. FLA supports freedom of association for workers; acts of violence against labor leaders suppress and interfere with this fundamental human right and must not be tolerated.

With over 4,000 members, DERITEKS stands as the fourth-largest union in the textile, garment, and leather industries in Türkiye. DERITEKS representatives have actively participated in numerous virtual FLA board meetings and have engaged with the FLA’s Civil Society Organization (CSO) caucus.

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The Fair Labor Association (FLA) promotes human rights at work. We are an international network of companies, universities, and civil society organizations collaborating to ensure that millions of people working at the world’s factories and farms are paid fairly and protected from risks to their health, safety, and well-being.

CONTACT:

Stacy Hope
communications@fairlabor.org

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