We work properly, but why the harassment? - Customs officers wear black armbands

The Customs Trade Union Alliance has decided to engage in trade union action based on several demands, including the promotions of customs officers, which have been delayed for 6 years.

The Customs Trade Union Alliance has stated that despite informing the authorities about their issues on numerous occasions, no definitive solutions have been provided yet. Therefore, customs officers have decided to wear black armbands and engage in duties at all customs offices island-wide starting today (24). The Customs Trade Union Alliance has decided to embark on strong trade union action against the non-provision of promotions due to customs officers for over six years. This alliance, formed by the Customs Staff Officers' Association, the Assistant Superintendents of Customs' Association, and the Customs Officers' Association, points out that if a written and fair solution to their problem is not provided immediately within a specific timeframe, they will take this drastic step.

The alliance states that despite six years having passed, the authorities have failed to fully implement the revised recruitment procedure (SOR) of the Customs Department, which was scheduled to be effective from February 13, 2020. They believe this situation is a severe violation of the officers' rights. The union alliance emphasizes that despite engaging in discussions with authorities over the past few years to secure their rights, the path of discussion has completely failed due to constant delays and the lack of a specific timeframe.

Customs officers, fully understanding their responsibility as public officials, have covered duties in higher positions for the past six years without receiving due salaries or promotions. Their strong dedication not only ensured the continuous operation of the department's services but also enabled Customs to generate high revenue, even exceeding last year's income targets. However, the trade unions point out that the organized delay of permanent appointments and promotions of officers by authorities, through arbitrary interpretations and baseless technical reasons, constitutes exploitation of the officers' labor, and this can no longer be tolerated.

It has been further clarified that customs officers are not asking for new salary increases or new benefits, but only for the positions legally due to them according to the recruitment procedure and the salaries that should be paid from the due date. The Customs Trade Union Alliance states that if the severe trade union action taken against this injustice, which has occurred for six years, causes any impact on the national economy, the business community, or the general public, the full responsibility for it must be borne by the authorities who have not provided a positive response to the problem until now.