Unionists to march to Ankara

Turk-Is Presidential Council met yesterday and decided that branch administrators from nine regions are to march to Ankara for a gathering on April 26

       Turk-Is Chairman Bayram Meral both criticised the government and said that it would be beneficial for it not to collapse. Meral also said they wanted to negotiate through to a solution to the problems of workers in the country.
       The Turk-Is Presidential Council met yesterday to discuss and determine policies about the anti-inflation program, privatisation, and the increase in unemployment. Meral, who delivered the opening speech, stressed the importance of political stability. "Though there remains a lot to criticise in the implementations of the present government up to this day, it is still beneficial that they resume their work. We believe the government should carry on, but that does not mean they should idle along," Meral said. Meral pointed out that the policies of the government followed along the exact lines drawn out in the letters of intent it has submitted to the IMF (International Monetary Fund). As a result of these policies, Meral said, many problems such as unemployment, immigration, and the ever-growing unregistered sector, were augmenting. The Turk-Is Chairman claimed the anti-inflation program has not been successful so far and emphasised that public tolerance was being exploited.
       Meral said that bringing the government down was no solution to the present situation and added, "We have seen all the parties currently in Parliament both in opposition and in government. We will urge them to function as best they can."
       Meral said they hoped celebrations of May 1, would be marked by a festive atmosphere. During the meeting, it was decided that branch administrators from nine regions march to Ankara and meet on April 26, in order to call for a solution to the problems of workers.
       According to calculations of Turk-Is, the price increase in foodstuffs was at 47.1% in the last twelve months with respect to Jan 2000, while the increase in net minimum wage was only at 39.8%.