09 May 2024 | 03:47 PM UTC
Turkiye: Educators to strike, protest nationwide May 10
Unionized teachers to strike across Turkiye on May 10. Business disruptions likely nationwide; heightened secuirty likely near gatherings.
Unionized teachers plan to strike and protest across Turkiye on May 10. The purpose of the labor action is to denounce the May 8 killing of a school principal in Eyupsultan, Istanbul, by a student. Organizers are also calling for demonstrations throughout the country: participants will gather at the Ministry of National Education (Milli Egitim Bakanligi) on Ataturk Boulevard in Ankara at 11:00 before marching to the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi) on the same street. Additionally, organizers are calling on demonstrators to gather for protest press conferences at provincial National Education Directorates (Il Milli Egitim Mudurlugu) in provincial capitals nationwide; it is not clear what times these gatherings will occur or how many participants may attend. The largest provincial National Education Directorates will likely occur in:
Ankara: Gazeteci Yazar Muammer Yaşar Bostancı Caddesi
Istanbul: M. Imran Oktem Caddesi
Izmir: 452 Sokak
Increased employee absenteeism may prompt business disruptions across Turkiye on May 10 if workers cannot arrange care for children who attend schools impacted by striking educators. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near all demonstrations. Additional picket protests are possible at schools nationwide. Confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out, particularly at the Ankara march.
Plan accordingly for increased absenteeism among employees who are parents or guardians of school-aged children May 10; consider a liberal leave or telecommuting policy, where possible. Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near protest sites, particularly near the march in central Ankara. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
