Arrest of union leaders ‘will hinder relief effort’

European trade union confederation the ETUC has condemned the arrest of trade union leaders protesting in Turkey over reports that corruption was hampering post-earthquake relief efforts.

“Our affiliates in Turkey have played a leading role in relief efforts since the earthquake struck and itis entirely proper for them to raise legitimate concerns about misuse of resources which should be going directly to those people who need it most,” ETUC general secretary Esther Lynch stated.