The IWW-CYROC expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ata Emre Akman, a delivery driver who was brutally murdered while working in Turkey on May 11, as well as our solidarity to their fellow delivery drivers who are fighting for their rights (and lives)!
Solidarity and Urgent Call to Action with Delivery Workers in Turkey:
“We Don’t Want to Die While Working!
Dear Sir/Madam,
Ata Emre Akman, a student at Balıkesir University’s Faculty of Tourism, Tourism Guidance Department, and a motorcycle courier working for Domino’s Pizza, was brutally murdered on May 11th. At around 1:30 AM, while delivering an order and heading back to his motorcycle, Emre was attacked and an attempted robbery was made by a 17-year-old passerby, E.Ö. Emre was stabbed 25 times and collapsed on his motorcycle. Unfortunately, Emre had passed away by the time the ambulance arrived.
The killer, who had a prior record of six separate knife attacks and threats, was arrested after the murder.
The emergence of footage showing the brutal murder of the young university student and motorcycle courier Emre has sparked great outrage in society. This incident has initiated widespread discussion about the precarious working conditions of delivery workers and the inadequacies of the Turkish legal system.
According to the reports of our association, at least 58 motorcycle delivery workers lost their lives while working in Turkey in 2022, at least 68 in 2023, and with Emre’s death, this number has risen to 22 in the first five months of 2024.
Despite calls from delivery workers and their organizations, these deaths have not been stopped. The profession has not been classified as a ‘very dangerous occupation,’ no legal protections have been provided for delivery workers, fair trials have not been conducted in courier death cases, and deterrent penalties have not been imposed.
We continue to organize protests, reports, and awareness activities to the best of our ability. We are organizing protests under the slogan “We Don’t Want to Die While Working / Justice for Ata Emre Akman.” A nationwide action call has been made for Friday, May 17th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
We anticipate solidarity from our colleagues worldwide, delivery workers’ unions, and organizations. If you organize solidarity actions with delivery workers in Turkey, create support videos, send protest emails to Turkish authorities, or spread awareness about this situation through your social media accounts on May 17th or later, we would be grateful.
We don’t want to die while working.
We carry lives, not just packages.
We want secure working conditions and a humane life.
Delivery workers are strong together.
With our regards and feelings of solidarity,
Delivery Worker Rights Association / Turkey
May 16, 2024″
Until our bones are turned to dust, An Injury to One is an Injury to All!
