A TRADE unionist in Turkey told his British counterparts how messages of solidarity helped workers and union activists in his country in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The disaster killed at least 50,000 people, according to official figures, and displaced three million more on February 6 this year.

Campaigners on the ground expect that the real death toll is in the hundreds of thousands.

Osman Iski addressed the annual conference of North West region of the TUC in Warrington by video link from Turkey as delegates met on Saturday.

Mr Iski, who is international officer of the Turkish confederation of public employees (KESK), told how trade unions had moved into action after the devastating earthquake struck.

He said Turkish trade unionists faced persecution and told how he was sacked from his job as a university teacher and imprisoned for his trade union activities.

“But we know we are strong and we become stronger when we get solidarity messages from you,” he said.

“Solidarity is not a moral, it is an action. When you send a protest letter, when you sign a petition, it is important to us.

“We know we are not alone. We know we can count on your solidarity.”