June 4th, 2013
07:25 AM ET

Unions join forces with Turkish protesters

Trade unions claiming 240,000 members are throwing their weight behind anti-government demonstrations across Turkey.

The KESK confederation of public sector workers was calling a two-day strike starting Tuesday to protest what it called the "fascism" of the governing party of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has become one of the focal points of demonstrators' anger.

They have united demonstrators from across the political spectrum against a common foe: security forces who unleashed tear gas and water cannons on them in response to what had been largely peaceful protests against Erdogan's government.

The Turkish Medical Association claimed that at least 3,195 people had been injured in clashes Sunday and Monday. Only 26 of them were in serious or critical condition, it said.

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Filed under: Turkey
soundoff (14 Responses)
  1. saywhat

    Undoubtedly this is a crucial test for Erdogan govt especially at a time when neighboring Syria is set to explode. But a Turkish spring? Too soon to say.

    June 4, 2013 at 9:58 am | Report abuse |
  2. Pete

    Maybe we should take a page from Turkey and Polands Lech Walesa that started using labor unions against Polands government eventually ridding the country of communist rule there..Walesa recieved the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as well in 1983..Unions here like it or not have great power on Wall Street with union pensions,annuities and across our country so posters democrates aren't stupid having unions backing them because of their inherient strength in numbers and organizational skills like Pres.Obama and look what his volunteers,union people did last election ,you republicans can't deny that fact can yah!!

    June 4, 2013 at 11:09 am | Report abuse |
  3. chrissy

    Good afternoon to two of my favorite bloggers @ saywhat and @ pete.

    June 4, 2013 at 12:55 pm | Report abuse |
    • Pete

      @chrissy,saywhat, what's up and how's life treating yah today..Just been deleted again but it wasn't nice about Issa that's all,just facts!!

      June 4, 2013 at 5:28 pm | Report abuse |
  4. saywhat

    Thanks@chrissy & a good afternoon to you to.

    June 4, 2013 at 2:14 pm | Report abuse |
  5. saywhat

    Agree@Pete
    Their street power & clout is undeniable.

    June 4, 2013 at 2:15 pm | Report abuse |
  6. saywhat

    This therefore is indeed a moment of worry for Erdogan.

    June 4, 2013 at 2:16 pm | Report abuse |
  7. saywhat

    On home ground, if the Occupy movement was not crushed & brutally to be nipped in the bud perhaps this factor would have played a part here too.

    June 4, 2013 at 2:18 pm | Report abuse |
    • Pete

      @say what,good mornin also and take care..

      June 5, 2013 at 9:14 am | Report abuse |
  8. chrissy

    Just been sparrin with cnn's resident hijacker/troll. Betcha cant guess where he works huh? Thats why we get blocked and deleted so much and he doesnt.

    June 4, 2013 at 6:57 pm | Report abuse |
    • Pete

      @chrissy,good mornin to you and all..Just sent a nice text to CNN feedback and just told them to do their jobs..I know its their site but they should be more responsible in its security as they're in moderating!!Trolls are everywhere,we're not alone!!Take care chrissy and all!!

      June 5, 2013 at 9:13 am | Report abuse |
  9. saywhat

    Hi@ Pete &@chrissy. Hope you guys are having a swell time.
    This troll business is getting rather tiring and apparently CNN is in mood to rectify things .@Pete's timely reminder to them would in all probability be ignored. It was different when NSaidi was with them.

    June 5, 2013 at 12:34 pm | Report abuse |
  10. saywhat

    response to@Pete blocked. Wishing you well.

    June 5, 2013 at 12:36 pm | Report abuse |
  11. carlos s

    hi gĂĽl. bob and i wanted to say hi but do not have your email. following the news – and thanks to you, following closely what's going on around (your) town.

    September 25, 2013 at 7:09 pm | Report abuse |
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