Turkish companies often sack workers or relocate them to prevent the establishment of trade unions, while the government helps to break up strikes. With inflation surging to a record high of more than 60% this year, many workers, from industry to services and retail, are seeking financial compensation from their employers for fast eroding living standards. According to an article for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, workers are struggling to make ends meet and are then fired or disciplined if they take industrial action to secure higher pay. Workers from couriers to shipbreakers have launched a series of strikes in recent months, in some cases winning rare concessions. At least 108 strikes were staged in January and February - more than the average annual total seen in recent years..
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