—ON THE PICKET LINE—

Glass workers in Turkey occupy plants as government bans strike

Some 5,700 glass workers in Turkey, members of the Kristal-Is union, have been organizing protest actions since June 1 in nine factories owned by Sisecam Glass Co. after the government banned them from going on strike. The workers are demanding improved wages and working conditions.

After failing to reach agreement with the company on a contract in early May, the workers announced they would go on strike May 24. The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, using its broad state of emergency powers, then “postponed” the strike for 60 days, claiming it would be a “threat to national security.” But the postponement is really a ban, as Turkish law forbids trade unions from striking after 60 days of being postponed.

Sisecam, the second largest glass manufacturer in Europe, runs its factories in three shifts. The unionists are now “working to rule,” with slowed production. At the end of each shift, workers have been organizing demonstrations and meetings and not leaving the worksites, sleeping in the factory or in tents erected outside the plant.

— Brian Williams

Locked-out Canada Bread workers gain new contract

LANGLEY, British Columbia —Members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union Local 468, who were locked out by Canada Bread Co. since April 1, voted 67-45 to ratify a new contract May 25.

The company withdrew the demand that it be able to call workers in for as little as two hours work. And part-time workers who put in 30 hours or more will keep their benefits.

“We thank the public and union members for the support we got during the lockout,” said Donna Quinton, one of workers. Another told the Militant that despite her misgivings about parts of the contract, “we have stronger bonds now” between union members.

For many of the workers with decades of seniority, this was the first time they had been locked out or on strike. Workers maintained picket lines 24/7 during the entire fight.

Daren Wagner described the solidarity they got from other unions, senior citizens and community members who visited the picket line. “Thanks to this support, we had Pizza Fridays, Taco Tuesdays, and soup days during our picketing,” Wagner said. “We’ll be in a better position to defend ourselves because we’re more united. That’s the victory.”

Workers rebid for their positions at a May 31 company-organized meeting, given that 30 workers have been offered buyouts and the unionized lead-hand or “foreman” position was eliminated.

— Michel Dugré