The Turkish police are heading to implement a general strike throughout the country, on Monday, September 28, in protest against the deteriorating professional and economic conditions, against the backdrop of an escalating crisis within the security apparatus that followed the recording of seven suicide cases among its members within five days, according to what was announced by the Turkish Security Service Workers’ Union.
The Turkish “T24” news website explained that last week also witnessed two suicide attempts by two members of the auxiliary services category in the states of Bursa and Istanbul, where they are still receiving the necessary treatment. The union linked the strike decision to the accumulation of problems and ignoring demands, noting that the move comes in protest against harsh working conditions, economic and social pressures, and job bullying, in addition to income losses upon retirement and the lack of equality in job rights.
The union demands the settlement of several urgent files, including the “3,600 additional indicators” system, addressing the problems of the ancillary services category, and applying the principle of equal pay for equal work, in addition to approving the police profession law.
The announcement of the strike coincided with the death of retired policeman Ali Şakkoğlu, who shot himself during a protest he organized in front of the Constitutional Court in the capital, Ankara, carrying a banner that read: “Not for money, but for our dignity,” according to what was reported by local media.
This escalation comes at a time when the Turkish street is witnessing a heated debate about the growing cases of suicide within the security services, amid increasing pressure exerted by union bodies to improve the work environment, living conditions, and professional rights of police officers.
