Turkish Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights on Tuesday after a large part of its workforce downed tools in protest at government plans to outlaw strikes in the aviation sector
Turkish Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights on Tuesday after a large part of its workforce downed tools in protest at government plans to outlaw strikes in the aviation sector.
The airline announced that a total of 104 domestic and international flights had been cancelled as a result of what it termed the "illegal" industrial action.
Many other flights faced lengthy delays, according to Turkish television. The aviation workers' union Hava-Is has been calling for the government to scrap a bill banning strikes.
They are also unhappy at what they regard as a hostile Turkish Airlines management whom they blame for the collapse of a collective bargaining agreement.
Transport Minister Binali Yildirim denounced the strike, saying authorities would "not hesitate to take necessary measures" to bring it to an end. Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 178 planes and has another 55 on order. It serves 218 destinations worldwide.