The failure of the collective labor agreement (CBA) negotiations at Bursa Metropolitan Municipality's transportation company BURULAŞ has led the Railway Workers' Union to decide on a strike. BURULAŞ workers are starting the strike process to get their rights and the rewards of their labor.
Strike Sign Will Be Hanged in BURULAŞ
The Bursa Branch of the Railway Workers' Union, Cemal Yaman, announced to the public that the union headquarters had made the decision to strike. Yaman made a statement regarding the strike, saying, “On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 18:00, we will gather and announce our strike notice at the BURULAŞ Operation Building! On this important day, all our colleagues who are not on duty will gather at the entrance of the Burulaş Operation Building (Omc) and at 18:30, we will walk to the main building with our families and colleagues with drums and a festive atmosphere, and hang our strike notice! We expect everyone with their families on Wednesday, which is the first step of the strike process, to get our rights and the rewards of our labor.” This call indicates that BURULAŞ employees are preparing to participate in the strike in mass.
President Bozbey is on the scene: He will hold a press conference
Following the strike decision, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey stepped in for the collective labor agreement negotiations at BURULAŞ. It was announced that Mayor Bozbey will hold a press conference tomorrow at 13:00 at the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Main Services Building in order to evaluate the latest situation and inform the public. Bozbey's initiative aims to reduce the possible effects of the strike and create a basis for compromise between the parties.
Workers' Action in the Cafeteria: "We Are Workers, We Are Right, We Will Win"
Before the strike decision, BURULAŞ employees held a protest yesterday in the cafeteria with forks and spoons to make their voices heard. The workers drew attention to their demands by chanting the slogans “We are workers, we are right, we will win” accompanied by applause. This protest shows the disappointment of the employees in the collective bargaining process and their determination to go on strike.
Remarkable Statements from BURULAŞ General Manager
Recently, the posts made by BURULAŞ General Manager Fahrettin Beşli on his social media account attracted attention. Beşli, using an expression specific to the transportation sector, said, “We have established steering control in terms of transportation. Now, our aim is to get this company back on track, accelerate in a controlled manner; and cover a longer distance in a shorter time.” It is thought that these statements of Beşli may have caused different interpretations by the union and employees and may have increased the existing tension. The steps Fahrettin Beşli will take after the strike decision and what solution he will offer to this crisis are eagerly awaited.
This strike decision, which could lead to disruptions in public transportation services in Bursa, closely concerns the transportation system in the city. The press conference to be held by Mayor Bozbey and possible new meetings between the parties are being followed as important developments that will determine the course of the strike. It is expected that the legitimate demands of the employees and the transportation needs of the city's people will be resolved in a balanced manner.
