Hotel workers’ courage during Istanbul protests – an open letter from the IUF

During June this year, the whole world witnessed thousands of Turkish citizens holding peaceful demonstrations demanding a more free and democratic State. These legitimate expressions of democracy were brutally repressed by the police forces.

IUF’s General Secretary Ron Oswald went to Istanbul to express the solidarity of affiliated unions and to support the aspirations of these mostly young protesters.

He was amongst the many people attacked following the brutal police action on June 11. He praised the actions of four hotels and their staff in giving shelter to protesters and allowing them to receive medical support while preventing police from entering the properties.

On behalf of our global membership in the hotel, restaurant and tourism business the IUF congratulates the staff and these hotels for taking a courageous stand in support of tolerance, human rights and democracy (read the letter here).