The “work-to-rule” strikes by air traffic controllers have caused millions of passengers to suffer and airlines to incur millions of euros in losses.
Impact of the Strikes
Organized by the air traffic controllers’ union, these work slowdowns are severely impacting airlines financially and also having negative environmental consequences. The strikes have resulted in thousands of tons of additional carbon emissions, causing environmental damage.
Specific Demands
The strikes are being carried out to improve the working conditions of air traffic controllers. Previously, a bill aimed at improving the working conditions of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) employees was on the agenda, but a strike decision on the same day led to the bill being withdrawn. Last week, a similar event occurred when the Air Traffic Controllers Union (HTK-SEN) called for a strike on the day the Public Works, Reconstruction, Transportation, and Tourism Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) was set to make regulations, causing the regulations to be withdrawn again.
Legal Disputes and Union Claims
The Aviation Specialists Union (HUS) has declared that HTK-SEN is illegal, established in violation of the law, and should be closed, announcing its intention to file a lawsuit. HUS argues that Law No. 4688, which defines the boundaries of union activities for public employees, does not permit the establishment of unions on a professional basis. They claim that HTK-SEN’s management board, consisting only of licensed air traffic controllers, is unlawful.
Passenger Complaints
Passengers affected by the strikes have voiced their complaints on social media. Reports of citizens filing complaints with the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER) are widely shared on social media. The legal and social debates regarding these strikes, which have led to millions of euros in airline losses and affected millions of passengers, continue.
Search for Solutions
Authorities are investigating whether the union-organized strikes are illegal. Efforts are being made to find solutions to mitigate passenger grievances and return air traffic to normal. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is working to mediate between the parties to ensure a resolution and minimize the impact on passengers.
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