While Antalya is breaking records in tourism numbers, tourism workers continue to face losses in their rights. The President of the Tourism Captains Union, Ümit Akduman, said, 'If tourism numbers are breaking records, it is thanks to these workers.'
According to a report by Güven Güneş from ANTALYA Ekspres Newspaper, while tourism numbers continue to break records, the issues and loss of rights faced by workers in the sector persist. Ümit Akduman, President of the Tourism Captains Union, said, "While expectations for record numbers of tourists continue to rise, the loss of rights for workers in the tourism sector persists."
BREAKING RECORDS
Pointing out that a new record is announced in tourism every month and that this is achieved through the labor and sweat of workers, Tourism Captains Union President Ümit Akduman emphasized the critical importance of protecting workers' rights for the sustainability of the sector and the quality of service. Especially in the post-pandemic recovery period, Akduman noted that the loss of rights and problems experienced by tourism workers should not be overlooked, warning that ongoing issues will cause economic damage to both the sector and the city. Akduman said, "Antalya is breaking records in terms of passenger numbers, revenue, and various other areas day by day. If tourism is growing, both tourism workers and the city should benefit equally from this growth."
LEGAL REGULATIONS ARE IMPORTANT
President Akduman stated, "A person who has developed themselves, graduated in this field, and knows four languages should not be offered minimum wage. Unfortunately, we often encounter this situation in the tourism sector. Those who see this usually leave immediately. We see that the majority of those who stay do so out of certain obligations." He mentioned that ensuring the health and social rights of workers during this process would be an important step for the future of the sector. Akduman added, "As the tourism capital, Antalya plays a significant role in the economy. However, in recent years, the fluctuations in increasing occupancy rates have brought instability in the sector and the regression of workers' rights, along with problems and question marks. I believe that the joint efforts of local governments, unions, and employers are important for the sustainability of tourism."