Solidarity with the People of Turkey was established to support those struggling for democracy and fundamental freedoms in Turkey, whilst also contributing to the working people’s struggle in the UK.
People often ask why international work has anything to do with trade unions in the UK. As trade unionists, we understand the need for solidarity. It runs through everything that we do, from standing on picket lines, to attending marches and rallies and to the core work that we do in our workplaces defending workers’ rights.
Solidarity knows no borders and that is why supporting trade union partners globally is an essential part of the work that we do. We know that attacks on our rights, working conditions and salaries do not differ from those of workers struggling in other parts of the world.
SPOT has stood with those in Turkey fighting for democracy and human rights. We know that despite huge attempts to silence them the working people of Turkey have fought back against this. It is particularly powerful to see the struggle among women to defend their rights to self-autonomy, to education and equality.
We also know that academics and education workers have been at the forefront of the struggle to freedom of speech and for free and equal access to education.
We know as workers of the essential need for international solidarity, we know that our struggles are intertwined and that none of us can be free until all of us are free.
That is the reason that trade unions need to support and be actively involved with SPOT to enable us to stand in solidarity with those in struggle, to amplify their voices and to hold to account the current ruling regime for its attacks on democracy, human rights and civil liberties.
Make sure your union branch is affiliated, invite a SPOT speaker to your next meeting and get involved in our actions to defend democracy and human rights in Turkey.
