Joint Statement from Non-Governmental Organisations

Via teleconference, under the leadership of TOBB, Türkiye's leading professional organisations, trade union confederations and non-governmental organisations made a joint statement on the process of combating the new type of corona virus (Kovid-19), which is affecting Türkiye as it is the whole world.​

Do not dismiss your employees, protect your employment…

The joint statement read by TOBB President M.Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu is as follows:

 “At present, almost the entire world is suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic, described as one of the greatest disasters of the last century.

We are experiencing the greatest crisis the world has faced since the two world wars. Everyone is anxious and worried about what kind of day they will wake up to tomorrow. Many of us are living a life of voluntary quarantine. This virus has now spread to 174 countries of the world. Our country is also waging an all-out struggle against it.

 In this process, we extend our gratitude to all our employees at work, especially our healthcare workers, and to our entrepreneurs and employers. What we must do in this process is to stand in solidarity. It is for 83 Million to struggle together against this pandemic. It is to show everyone that we are united, that we are strong, that we are vigorous. It is to protect both our employees and our companies by taking the measures determined against the corona virus and strictly following the rules. It is to continue producing by protecting our production and service capacity, and to protect employment.

For this, our Government has significantly improved the conditions for benefiting from the Short-Time Working Allowance. It has reduced the number of documents required for application.

 Now we all say together: "Do not dismiss your employees, protect your employment, the resources you need are in the Short-Time Working Allowance" Our companies that have suspended or reduced their activities can cover their employees' salaries from here for 3 months. We call on all our companies to use this opportunity. Let us join hands and leave these difficult days behind together. May God help us all, we say, and greet you with respect.”

Organisations participating in the joint declaration: 

ASKON, DEİK,HAK-İŞ, KAGİDER, MEMUR-SEN, MÜSİAD, OSBÜK, TÜMSİAD, TÜRKONFED, TÜSİAD, Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, TBB, TÜED, TESKOMB, TESK, TÜGİAD, TÜGİK, TİM, TİKAD, TÜRK-İş, TİSK, KAMU-SEN, TMB,  Union of Turkish Notaries, TOBB, TOBB Women Entrepreneurs Board, TOBB Young Entrepreneurs Board, TÜRSAB,  YASED