Turkish Police on Strike.. 7 Suicides in 5 Days

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The Turkish police are heading towards a strike tomorrow, Monday, after recording 7 cases of suicide among security personnel within five days, according to the Turkish Security Workers' Union, which attributed the worsening crisis to deteriorating professional and economic conditions.

The union announced a nationwide strike across Turkey on Monday, September 28, in protest against what it described as the accumulation of problems facing police officers, including harsh working conditions, economic and social pressures, workplace bullying, income losses upon retirement, as well as demands related to job rights and legislation specific to the police profession.

According to the Turkish website T24, the union confirmed that 7 members of the Turkish security forces have committed suicide in the last five days, while last week there were two suicide attempts by members of the auxiliary services in the cities of Bursa and Istanbul, who are still receiving treatment.

The union attributed the decision to strike to what it described as the accumulation of burdens on security personnel, pointing to harsh working conditions, workplace bullying, income losses upon retirement, and inequality in job rights.

It also demanded the resolution of several issues, including the 3600 additional index system, problems related to the auxiliary services category, and the principle of equal pay for equal work, in addition to the implementation of the police profession law.

The announcement of the strike coincided with the death of retired police officer Ali Shakaroglu, who shot himself during a protest outside the Constitutional Court in the capital, Ankara.

Shakaroglu was holding a sign that read: "Not for money, but for our dignity," according to Turkish media reports.

The Security Agency Union also confirmed that the strike will be carried out on the afternoon of Monday, September 28, across Turkey in a move they said is in protest against the ongoing issues within the agency and the lack of response to the demands of the workers.

These developments come at a time when the debate in Turkey is escalating regarding suicide cases within the security agency, amid union demands for improved working conditions, economic situations, and job rights for police officers.