1 May Worker's Day celebrations were held in many cities under the leadership of Confederation of Public Laborer's Unions (KESK), Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions , Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and Turkish Medical Association (TTB). Thousands of people shouted their demands in Amed (Diyarbakır), one of the cities where the celebrations were held. In the rally, which was held under the slogan "We are on the fields on May Day for the freedom of labour and democratic society", the exploitation of labour was objected, the budget allocated for war was reacted and the message was given to embrace the democratic solution of the Kurdish question.

 

DEMAND FOR FREEDOM FOR ÖCALAN

 

Labourers in the area embraced the messages given at the rally and said that they embraced the "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" made by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February. Rewşan Karademir, one of the labourers to whom we handed the microphone, stated that they will continue the labour struggle and said, "We, the labourers, are aware that we cannot get anywhere with the imposition of the system. Especially in Kurdistan, during the 8 years of trusteeship, a great destruction has occurred for the workers. People's bread and labour have been played with".

 

Rewşan Karademir underlined that the only demand of the workers is peace and said that where there is peace there is democracy and where there is democracy there is freedom. Expressing that they filled the rally area with the fighting spirit of peace, Rewşan Karademir said, "As workers, we support Mr Abdullah Öcalan's 'Call for Peace and Democratic Society'. We are in the field with this enthusiasm. The state also needs to take a concrete step now. It is necessary to break the isolation and ensure the physical freedom of Mr Abdullah Öcalan."

 

'THE STATE MUST TAKE A STEP'

 

Bedri Gülter stated that he came to the rally to shout for peace against war and said, "Because labourers are the most oppressed in the wars that have been waged in this country for years. Wars all over the world exploit the labourers. Because the resources of all countries go to wars. Therefore, the victims of wars are the labourers. Therefore, if we can contribute to the peace process, we will support it to the end."

 

Gülter emphasised that the process that started with the contribution and labour of Abdullah Öcalan has reached these days and said, "But the process is being carried out unilaterally. The state needs to take a step now because peace is necessary for everyone."

 

'IF THE WAR ENDS, THE ECONOMY WILL RECOVER'

 

Mehmet Arancak stated that the war has the most impact on the workers and the people and causes great poverty and said, "Poverty causes great tragedies. The state should approach the process with common sense and take a step to end this war. If the war ends, the economy will recover and everyone will live in peace and tranquility."

 

Deniz Köçeroğlu stated that labourers are among the leading groups affected by the negative conditions of the war and expressed his wish for peace and brotherhood to be established as soon as possible.