Call for solidarity with UNI affiliates and their members in Türkiye

The devastating earthquakes on 6 February have left an estimated 40,000 people dead in Türkiye and Syria and injured many more. According to the UN, up to 13.5 million people have been affected by the 7.8-magnitude quake and its aftershocks, with an estimated 5.3 million left homeless in Syria and more than 1 million in tents and temporary shelters in Türkiye. With thousands still missing or trapped in the rubble, we will not know the true toll of this tragedy for weeks—if not months—to come.

UNI’s Turkish affiliates immediately launched support initiatives for their members and families in the affected area. They have provided trucks of food, water and clothing. They have organized shelter, medical care and other basic needs like hygiene products and blankets. 

But there is still much more to do and much more support is needed.

Many UNI affiliates asked how they can help, and UNI has set up a solidarity fund to support Turkish unions’ recovery efforts. The average cost of filling a truck with 1,000 bags of basic needs (water, toilet paper, nappies, menstrual pads, food etc) is around 15,000 -20,000 CHF. Therefore, with each 1,000 CHF/Euro donation, our unions will provide at least 50 families with basic needs including food, water and hygiene products. With each 20,000 CHF/Euro of donation, our unions will fill a truck full of aid for 1,000 families.

If you or your union wishes to financially support the efforts by UNI’s affiliates in Türkiye, you can send your contribution to the solidarity fund that UNI has set up.

For more info on how to make a donation, contact UNI.