Report:
In Gaziantep, Turkey, the industrial sector has experienced significant growth and export success, reaching an export value of $10.523 billion in 2022. However, this growth has come at a cost for the workers in the city, who are facing exploitative working conditions and a deteriorating quality of life. According to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Council, there have been 427 work-related fatalities in Gaziantep in the past decade, well above the national average.
One of the companies contributing to Gaziantep’s rapid growth is Akınal Tekstil, owned by Saim and Suat Akınal. The company is a major player in the nonwoven fabric production industry, ranking among the top 20 global producers. Despite its success, Akınal Tekstil has been associated with a brutal working environment, where workers are exposed to dangerous conditions and high accident rates. It is reported that nearly 80% of the workers at Akınal Tekstil have experienced work-related accidents, resulting in amputations, injuries, and even death.
The working conditions at Akınal Tekstil and other companies in Gaziantep’s industrial sector are characterized by excessive workloads, overtime, lack of training and safety measures. Workers are often required to work long hours and are under immense pressure to meet production
SOURCE