What is Egitim Sen’s involvement in the trial which is going to open on 4 October?

On 13 February, 15 female colleagues were taken into custody after police raids on their houses early that morning. Six of these women were our members. Most of them were members of the boards of the branches and, although there was no concrete reason that requires a pretrial detention, nine of these women were arrested and have been detained in custody since then. Three of these detained women are our trade union’s members and one of them is KESK’s (the Turkish Confederation of Public Employees) Women’s Secretary.

These reckless arrests targeting trade unionists happen very often in our country now. As an independent confederation defending the foundation of peace in the country, democracy, and the protection of labour rights against the Government’s neoliberal policies, we have been targeted for a long time.

Our detained female members were preparing for the first female public workers’ strike on 8 March, and a demonstration against these attacks and defending democracy. It doesn’t surprise us that demands for gender equality are met with oppression in a country where a Prime Minister can advise all women to have at least three children. So, as a result of a prosecution considering trade union activities for gender equality as illegal activities, our members have been detained and charged for allegedly “being members of a terrorist organisation”. Even though Education International, the European Federation of Public Service Unions, the European Trade Union Confederation, and Public Services International repeatedly warned Turkey authorities concerning these issues, police operations are ongoing.

What is Egitim Sen’s position concerning this trial on 4 October?

Our expectation is for the urgent release of our female members and the end of this illegal and unjust situation. On 4 October, we’ll be at the Ankara Court House with the international delegation who will be there in solidarity. Being there on 4 October doesn’t only mean that we demand the women’s release, but it also means we demand an end to similar police operations and repression. The release of our General Secretary and Women’s Secretary, who have been detained in prison since the last police operation of 25 June, is a part of that struggle.

Are actions planned by Egitim Sen on 4 October and, if yes, which ones?

Egitim Sen will try to increase public awareness with its actions and activities organised locally and centrally (in Ankara). Egitim Sen and KESK have determined their agenda in coordination with the international labour organisations. On 3 October, we’ll organise a press conference with international confederations. On 4 October, we’ll come together in front of Ankara Court House to demand the release of our friends. Whatever the result of this hearing, Egitim Sen and KESK will maintain their struggle to keep democracy on the country’s agenda.

What does Egitim Sen think about the new so-called 4+4+4 education reform in Turkey, in particular with regards to religion, child labour and young girls and women’s issues?

Since the beginning, Egitim Sen opposed the new education bill dividing the basic education system into three sections. There are very legitimate reasons for our opposition. With the recent amendments, children will begin primary school education at an early age. So they will also enter secondary education (high school/lyceum) at an earlier age. For example, the vocational education system in Turkey is completely shaped according to the capital’s demands. In other words, this system creates mass, cheap and precarious labour. This is especially valid for apprentices. Another point is that the new arrangements make high school education compulsory, but also makes it possible to organise it as “distance learning”. That means that it will be possible for young girls to leave their education at schools and continue their education through distant learning. This will increase the existing problem of early marriages in Turkey. Moreover, the new curriculum introduces new lectures with an Islamic content, promoting a certain sect of Islam. These “electives” are now becoming compulsory because of the lack of teachers for other elective lectures. This is unacceptable. This approach is a blind one that can’t see different cultures, religions, and understandings.