Workers in Izmir, Türkiye, initiated a strike protesting delayed wages and social benefits, causing disruptions to bus services across the city.
The protest involved employees from various municipal companies, including Izmir Energy Services, Izmir Municipality Organization Vehicles, and Aegean City Lines.
The strike was prompted by ongoing delays in payments, including wages, bonuses, and allowances, which were attributed to Treasury deductions for social security and tax debts.
The strike saw workers marching through key locations and suspending bus services for an extended period.
While metro, tram, and ferry services remained operational, the bus service disruptions severely impacted thousands of daily commuters.
Labor union representatives, such as Genel-Is Izmir Branch President Ercan Gul, voiced their frustration, emphasizing that workers were not being paid on time despite their continuous service to the city.
In response, Izmir’s Mayor Cemil Tugay acknowledged the delay and assured that payments would be made immediately for the majority of municipal employees.
He also stated that payments for workers in the remaining companies would be completed within three days.
The municipality attributed the delay to Treasury deductions and called the strike unlawful, though they pledged to resolve the issue swiftly.
This strike reflects the financial pressures faced by local governments across Türkiye, where Treasury deductions have made it challenging to meet the needs of public workers while maintaining essential services.
