Charles Mann, a 68-year-old American civil engineer, has been summoned by a local labor union following a riot at a construction site in Istanbul earlier this week. The unrest was triggered by workers protesting unpaid wages, which they claim were neglected by Mann.
The incident took place Monday at a major construction project in the Esenler district of Istanbul, where hundreds of workers gathered to demand their overdue paychecks. When their demands were not met, tensions erupted into a riot, with some workers throwing debris and blocking access to the site. Authorities responded swiftly, and no injuries have been reported.
The union, the Turkish Confederation of Trade Unions (DISK), issued a statement condemning the delay in wages and ordered Mann to pay the workers immediately. The union has also issued a formal summons, requiring Mann to appear before a labor court in Istanbul next week.
If found responsible for neglecting his duties, Mann could face legal penalties, including fines or criminal charges under Turkish labor laws. Sources close to Mann suggest administrative issues may have contributed to the delay, but critics argue that as project supervisor, he is responsible for ensuring timely payments.
Mann has yet to comment publicly on the incident. The case has raised ongoing concerns about labor rights and employer accountability in Turkey’s construction sector.
