Questioning IKEA’s commitment to international labour rights

· Forum on Union Rights and Organising in Istanbul shines light on IKEA Turkey’s behaviour · IKEA Turkey accused of intimidation against workers and anti-union tactics · UNI Global Union and its Turkish affiliate Koop-Is call on IKEA Turkey to respect international labour standards and IKEA’s own Code of Conduct and to enter into social dialogue · Unions demand IKEA Turkey’s workers are guaranteed the right to join union and collective bargaining Istanbul, Tuesday March 26, 2013 – At the Forum on Union Rights and Organising in Istanbul, UNI Global Union and its affiliate Koop-Is described how IKEA Turkey is deliberately discriminating against unionised employees and actively discouraging workers from forming a union, using tactics including bribery and intimidation. Speaking at a press conference today, the Head of UNI Commerce, Alke Boessiger said, “The CEO of IKEA Turkey, Fuat Atalay, can no longer hide from the truth, worker testimonies heard here this week confirm that workers at IKEA stores in Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa and Ankara have been subject to severe pressure, bribes, intimidation and retaliation regarding their wish to unionise with UNI's Turkish affiliate Koop-Is." She added, “IKEA Global cannot wash its hands of what is going on in its name in Turkey. IKEA’s reputation as a reputable employer is not only being tarnished in Istanbul, it is being shattered and that's something that may stay with the company for a long time. We call on IKEA to put its global house in order and ensure the ILO Conventions on Freedom of Association, Collective Bargaining and the Ruggie Principles are applied in Turkey.” Mehmet Karaaslanoğlu, Secretary Treasurer, Koop-Is, said, “The workers believed in IKEA and feel betrayed. The management should adhere to the spirit of the Turkish law which seeks to protect workers and international labour standards rather than exploiting loopholes. We will defend the workers' right to organise but we are always ready to develop dialogue with the company”. UNI Global Union and Koop-Is are open to dialogue and urging the company to ensure the “IKEA Vision” of “creating a better everday life for many people” becomes a reality for IKEA Turkey workers which will only happen if international standards on freedom of association are enforced. For more details please contact Richard Elliott, UNI communications director. Tel: +41 79 794 9709. Email: [email protected] Deniz Akdogan, Koop-Is. Tel: +905309776885. Email: [email protected]

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