ANKARA - Labor & Social Security Minister Murat Basesgioglu met today Turkey-EU Trade Union Coordination Commission Secretary General John Monks. In the meeting closed to the press, other participants were Turk-Is (Turkish Labor Union) Chairman Salih Kilic, Hak-Is (Moral Rights Workers Union) Chairman Salim Uslu, DISK (Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions) Chairman Suleyman Celebi and KESK (Confederation of Public Sector Unions) Chairman Sami Evren.
Monks stated that all four labor confederations in Turkey are members of the European Trade Unions Confederation (ETUC). ''In this regard, Turkey is ahead of the EU'' he said. Monks described his mission's two goals as ''providing support to Turkish membership to the EU and making sure that the social and organizational rights of working people are protected by appropriate government steps.'' ''It is very important to note that Turkey meets the requirements of the EU and has done her homework,'' remarked Monks.
According to Monks, ''Turkey has taken giant steps in the recent past''.
John Monks told that ''the accession (of Turkey to the EU) talks must have positive results and that they will do whatever is necessary to contribute to the success of the talks.'' ''The efforts to overcome problems in democracy and labor laws will have prominent roles in accession talks. However the free movement of labor will be a tough issue,'' explained Monks.
Minister Basesgioglu thanked the confederation chairmen for their assistance regarding the accession talks.
''As Turkey, we are asking for the same criteria that was applied to other countries before they became full members. The EU must treat Turks fairly,'' indicated Basesgioglu. ''The EU needs new and fresh labor. We will not accept any restriction regarding the free movement of labor force. Any constraint on the movement of labor is against the four basic freedoms (of the EU),'' Basesgioglu reminded reporters.
(ES-ULG) 02.11.2004