‘Rate of Covid-19 Cases Among Workers At Least 3 Times Higher Than Turkey Average’

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The Confederation of Progressive Trade Union of Turkey Research Center (DİSK-AR) has released its second weekly report regarding the effects of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on its members.

The report dated April 17, 2020 has been prepared based on the data provided by the unions affiliated with the confederation.

CLICK - At Least 4 Workers Lose Their Lives, 257 Workers Test Positive

'Covid-19 has a direct impact on work life'

In its introduction to the report, the DİSK has shared the following observation about the impacts of the pandemic on workers and work life:

"Covid-19 outbreak leads to serious consequences in work life. Production continues, apart from necessary and urgent works. It brings workers face to face with the outbreak, workers are forced to choose between their health and job. Forced work aggravates the impact of the outbreak on workers. The research findings show that the rate of DİSK member workers tested positive for Covid-19 is 3 times higher than the average in Turkey."

'At least 378 DİSK members have tested positive'

The report has indicated that when the official figures announced by the Ministry of Health on April 10 and 17 are compared with the population of Turkey, it is seen that the average rate is 0.9 per thousand for the whole population and 1.2 per thousand for the ones aged older than 15.

However, when the DİSK makes the same calculation for its members, the rate of Covid-19 cases among its members is 2.8 per thousand.

Within this context, it has noted that "as these figures only represent the unionized workplaces, it is possible to say that the rate of Covid-19 cases is much higher in non-unionized and unregistered workplaces."

Taken together with the above calculation, this commentary has signalled that the rate of positive Covid-19 cases among the workers is at least 3 times higher than the average in Turkey.

Sharing detailed information about its members tested positive for the virus, the DİSK has announced that at least 378 of its members have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While at least DİSK members are currently in quarantine, four DİSK members have lost their lives due to the virus.

Considered by line of business, the highest number of Covid-19 cases has been recorded in metal and general affairs.

'At least 1,249 members have abstained from work'

According to the figures shared by the Confederation, production has been halted in 48 workplaces where the DİSK is organized and it has affected at least 12,000 DİSK members.

While at least 11,249 DİSK members from 11 workplaces have used their right to abstain from work due to the dangers and risks posed by Covid-19, 112 workplaces have made an application for short-time work allowance, which covers 30,785 DİSK members. As of April 17, the applications of 49 workplaces with 11,021 DİSK members have been accepted.

Also, workers have taken paid leave in 80 workplaces. At this point, the DİSK has noted that "while the use of unpaid leave is on a limited level, the use of paid leave or annual leave is a more common practice."

Lastly, 5,981 thousand DİSK members from 66 workplaces have started working from home due to Covid-19 outbreak. (EMK/SD)