Strikes Spread in Europe While Bans Grip Turkey

In response to an appeal by the European Trade Union Confederation, a large-scale mobilization spread across Europe on 14 November.

Throughout the day, simultaneous strikes were held in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy where thousands raised their voices against the austerity measures. There were also demonstrations in France and in some Eastern European countries to support the cause.

In Turkey, Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DİSK) and Confederation of Public Workers' Unions made in a joint statement, saying that while Europeans are marching to protest the austerity measures, workers in Turkey are suffering from strike bans and police violence.

"AKP government passed a workers' union law that no longer allows employees to go on strikes," the statement said. "Today [November 14], Europeans are having simultaneous strikes in several countries, we are not even allowed to go on solidarity strikes here." (NV)