Turkish glass production is once more under threat from industrial action as Kristal IS failed to reach an agreement with Sisecam over collective wage contracts in early February. Around 5,000 workers consequently went on strike at 13 different Sisecam locations. The saga has been ongoing for some time. Last December the government delayed the strike at Sisecam for 60 days but Kristal applied to the Council of state which later cancelled the cabinet decision. The first strike took place in Sisecam's factory in Topkapi, Istanbul. Kristal's Chairman told workers that certain employees were still paid minimum wage in Sisecam, which exports to 126 countries. The workers wanted increased wages in line with inflation, which is 12% for 2004. The Glass Employees Trade Union offered public wage contracts for Sisecam workers. The saga will not go away.
