COVID-19 cases increasing among workers in Turkey

A report investigating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic among workers issued by Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK) revealed that hundreds of workers were affected and 4 union members have lost their lives due to the disease.
Saturday, 18 April 2020 18:12

The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK) has published research on the impacts of COVID-19 on the workers’ health and life conditions.

According to the research, 4 union members lost their lives due to the pandemic and 247 union members have been tested positive for the disease, with 407 workers under quarantine.

In 47 workplaces unionized under DİSK with more than 11 thousand workers, the production activities have been stopped.

At least 1005 workers have used their right to avoid work under 9 workplaces. DİSK’s metal sector branch, Birleşik Metal-İş, is organized in 7 out of these 9 production sites.

The report also revealed that COVID-19 has dramatic impacts on work life. Production continues in the country except for emergencies and compulsory situations. This policy forces workers to choose between their health and income.