Think it’s fair for a woman to be fired just because she joined a union? If not, then buyers at the DESA factory in Turkey – including Prada, Debenhams, M&S, Mulberry, Aspinalls of London, Nicole Fahri and Luella – need to hear from you today!

Please read this update: Victory for Workers in Turkey: DESA and Deri Is Union Sign Protocol

As we approach the first anniversary of the beginning of the union struggle at DESA, workers are still protesting every day outside the factory to demand the reinstatement of 44 workers dismissed for organising a union.

In December 2008 and April 2009 the Turkish court confirmed that 25 workers had been illegally dismissed as a result of union activities and demanded their reinstatement. DESA decided to appeal the court’s decision. No new evidence was brought by DESA to the recent court hearings – an indication that the appeal is just another attempt to delay the process. This is a common tactic to drag out disputes in the hope that workers will be forced to end their campaign through economic hardship.

Intimidation and Harassment of the Union Continues

In March 2009 Emine Arslan and Nuran Gulenc from Deri Is came on a speaker tour to Europe, to coincide with an International Day of Action against Prada on the 7th March. On March 22nd, after they returned to Turkey, a story appeared on Turkish television in which DESA management linked the Deri Is union to Ergenekon, an armed group responsible for a number of political assassinations in Turkey. DESA claimed that the union campaign was part of a plot to destabilise the Turkish economy. A few days later the Deri Is website was hacked and on the 30th March the Deri Is office was broken into and its computer and camera were stolen. Strangely, the money in the office was untouched. According to the police, this was not an opportunistic break in but a 'professional job.'

Brands Dragging their Feet

Although there were some initial signs in December that the brands and the factory management were willing to enter into negotiations, it became clear that this was not a dialogue in good faith, but an attempt to stop the public campaign. Some of the buyers have responded to the campaign. However only one company, El Corte Ingles, has agreed to meet with the union and called on DESA to negotiate with the union. M&S did call for such a meeting last December, which we believe had a positive influence, but have failed to take further requested action since then. The others, including Debenhams and Mulberry have held meetings with the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation, but have refused to speak to the union in Turkey and are still refusing to call for negotiations between the management and the union. Prada, the main buyer from DESA has refused to take any action on the case. Aspinalls of London, Nicole Fahri and Luella have never responded to the campaign.

Dismissed Worker-Organiser Receives Turkish Human Rights Award

Although the big buyers don't recognise the importance of organising workers, women all over Turkey and Europe have been inspired by the work and courage of Emine Arslan and Deri Is. In recognition of Emine’s work she has been awarded a prestigious human rights award, the 2009 Sevinc Ozguner Human Rights, Peace and Democracy Award given by İstanbul Doctors Chambers.

The Struggle Continues

Despite the real economic hardship faced by the dismissed workers and the ongoing intimidation and harassment of the union, DESA workers remain strong in their struggle for justice. The support received from trade unionists and activists all over the world has helped sustain them and given them incredible strength. It has shown the importance of international solidarity in what are often long fights for union recognition. Thank you to everyone who has taken action on this case. Your action really does make a difference.

We still need your help! Buyers have come to the table because of this campaign. Now we need you to tell them that talk is not enough and that action is needed. We won't go away until DESA workers get the justice they deserve.

Pease read this update: DESA Workers Win Supreme Court Case