Turkiye: Unionized public sector employees to strike nationwide Jan. 13 /update 1

Public sector workers affiliated with several labor unions plan to protest and strike nationwide Jan. 13. The purpose of the labor action is to demand higher salaries. Unions representing workers in various fields, including public education, health, and administration, plan to participate in the work stoppage. Demonstrations will take place in cities across the country, with the following will likely being among the largest:

• Ankara: Gathering at Batikent Metro Station at 10:00 before traveling to National Library Station. Participants will subsequently march to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security at 10:50.

• Antalya: Participants to assemble at Aydin Kanza Parki at 11:30 before marching to Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydani) at 11:54, where a protest will begin at 12:30.

• Eskisehir: Protest at 14 Porsuk Boulevard from 11:00.

• Istanbul (Bakirkoy): Protest at Bakirkoy Courthouse from 11:00.

• Istanbul (Fatih): Gathering at Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) at 11:00 before marching to Beyazit Square where a protest will begin at 11:54.

• Istanbul (Kadikoy): Protest at Iskele Square from 12:00.

• Izmir: Two groups will assemble simultaneously at Social Security Office on Cumhuriyet Boulevard and Lausanne Gate (Lozan Kapisi) in Fuar Kulturpark at 11:30 before marching and converging at Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydani) at 12:30.

The labor action will likely disrupt healthcare, educational, and administrative services at public facilities nationwide. In addition to planned protests, striking teachers may stage ad hoc rallies at national and regional education administrative centers. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near all protests that occur. Disruptions to metro and bus transport are possible along routes and near stops near locations where strike-related demonstrations are planned.