Page 222 - KAZOVA - ENGLISH

We were showing self-sacrifice, that is why we worked, they
told us, “Get the bailiffs off our backs so we can pay the debt,
show some self-sacrifice.”

Later they also said, “We have sold the factory, you will be
paid.”

Mustafa Somuncu, the son, said “I will give you four months’
wages. You can talk with my father about compensation. Those
who want to can probably be employed by my father. If they want
to continue they can, if not compensation can be paid. Go on
leave for a week. Don’t spend money on travel. After that, we have
already sold the building, the lawyer is arguing.” This is what was
said.

Stuff was said like five lira, ten lira, whoever gives more has

three customers. A week later, on 8 February, we all came to the
factory. When we got to the factory on the 8th, there was no boss
there, neither great nor little… They sent one lawyer, they did not
come themselves, one was in Bodrum, the other in Ankara… The
lawyer said, “They sent me, there is no money in Kazova to pay
you, the machines do not make money, let me give you a voucher
with Umit Somuncu as the guarantor…”

All the workers had gathered for one thing, to get money, and
to get vouchers for four months of work was hard. The four
months had been hard and everyone had had enough. A squabble
erupted when he heard the offer and people began to mutter. Now
was not like the past and the voucher had no force of law either.
It was obvious that the man was a phony. So I had worked here
for years and now they swore mighty oaths on the Koran and Mo-

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