In Istanbul, workers from Polonez, a sausage-producing company owned by a Jordanian investor, have once again been subjected to police violence as they continue their 140-day resistance after being fired for unionizing. The workers, demanding their constitutional rights, attempted to march to Ankara, but their efforts were thwarted by a heavy-handed police intervention.
The Struggle for Rights
The workers, who were terminated immediately after joining the Tek Gıda-İş union to demand fair wages, have been fighting back against what they call unjust treatment. Setting up resistance tents outside the Polonez factory in Istanbul, they have faced constant pressure from authorities.
Their latest move was to launch a “Constitutional Right” march toward the Turkish capital to amplify their demands. However, police forces quickly surrounded the group, encircling their tents and cutting off their movement.
Police Violence and Detentions
As the workers chanted, “We’ve burned our bridges, there’s no turning back,” police intervened aggressively. Reports confirm that at least five workers were detained, including several women. In response, the workers announced a hunger strike, vowing to continue their struggle until the police blockade is lifted.
Economic and Political Context
Polonez is owned by a Jordanian businessman, and the workers claim their dismissal and subsequent repression are tied to broader political motives. The Erdoğan-led AKP government has reportedly prioritized securing financial relations with Jordan, including loans and investments, over addressing labor rights issues. This, workers argue, explains the disproportionate force used against them.
A Pattern of Repression
This is not the first time Polonez workers have faced such treatment. Police have repeatedly attacked and detained those who set up resistance tents. Today’s attempt to march to Ankara marked another effort to highlight their plight on a national stage, but it was once again met with violence.
A Growing Resistance
Despite the challenges, the Polonez workers remain defiant. As they begin their hunger strike, their message is clear: they will not give up until their voices are heard and their rights are recognized. Their struggle continues to shine a spotlight on the intersection of labor rights, political priorities, and state violence in Turkey.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
