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A major public transport strike disrupted daily life in the northwestern city of Bursa on Monday after negotiations between the city’s municipal administration and transportation operator BURULAS failed to produce an agreement.
As a result, metro services were halted, and replacement drivers, including trainees, were deployed to maintain limited operations.
Bursa Metropolitan Mayor Mustafa Bozbey confirmed the strike early in the morning, announcing via social media at 4:40 a.m. that talks held overnight with the union had ended without a deal.
Mayor Bozbey, a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP), said the municipality had offered a wage package that exceeded those provided by other cities such as Ankara and Konya.
“Despite our efforts and a generous offer relative to our budget, we were unable to convince the union,” he said.
“Our priority was to ensure uninterrupted transport. No one has the right to prevent citizens from getting where they need to go. I want to thank those employees who chose not to participate in the strike and returned to their duties,” Bozbey added.
The sudden halt in metro services caused widespread traffic congestion, as thousands turned to private vehicles to commute.
With metro operators on strike, municipal authorities placed trainee drivers in control cabins to maintain minimal metro operations.
In addition, around 1,500 public buses were deployed in a ring system to support urban mobility.
“We never wanted this strike, and it’s not something we support,” Bozbey said. “We’ve done everything we can to improve our workers' conditions under extraordinary financial constraints. I hope this action ends soon for the sake of the people of Bursa.”
He also implied that the union may have political motives, stating, “What the union is pursuing is unclear. I leave that judgment to our employees and the citizens of Bursa.”
The strike continues as both sides show no immediate sign of compromise.
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