Support for KFC and Pizza Hut employees, who have been protesting İş Gıda to claim their rights, is growing in the business world. Following Ömer Şeyhin, Chairman of Maydonoz Döner and My Fried Chicken, a new wave of support has emerged from the ready-to-wear sector. Tiffany & Tomato Chairman Özgür Yıldırım announced that all new stores they open across Türkiye will prioritize hiring former KFC and Pizza Hut employees.
The business community and the public have been closely following the bankruptcy protection process of İş Holding and its subsidiaries since last week. One of these subsidiaries, İş Gıda, lost its contracts with Yum! Brands, leading to the closure of over 500 KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants. As a result, 7,000 employees were left unemployed. The legal process for bankruptcy protection has begun, and employees, fearing the loss of their legal rights, have started protests at İş Holding’s headquarters in Beykoz.
Employees and concerned business leaders have been keeping the issue in the spotlight through social media. Many companies have responded positively to calls for support.
HR Departments Begin Preparations
One of the latest companies to extend support is Tiffany & Tomato. Chairman Özgür Yıldırım confirmed that KFC and Pizza Hut employees would be given priority in hiring for their upcoming store openings. With 46 stores currently in operation and four new locations set to open this month, Yıldırım emphasized the need for collective action to prevent a broader economic crisis.
“This issue must not create a domino effect across Türkiye. 7,000 employees mean 25,000 people affected, including their families. Organizations like BMD, AYD, and government ministries must come together to find a solution. We all need to work together to address this hardship. Our HR department is making preparations, and we will be opening stores in Adana, Mersin, Trabzon, and Erzurum. Initially, we will evaluate applications only from former İş Gıda employees. While they have experience in the food sector, they can also take on roles such as store managers or regional managers,” Yıldırım explained.
“From Now On, Consider Us Part of Your Family”
In addition to his corporate support, Yıldırım shared a personal message on social media, reinforcing his commitment to helping affected workers.
“Our doors will remain open to you as much as our strength allows. I sincerely hope that a middle ground is found and that you all return to your work environments with happiness and peace of mind. We must remember that every one of you has a family and a responsibility to secure a good future for them. From now on, Tiffany & Tomato considers itself part of your family. I hope the entire business sector will share this perspective and help us navigate this challenging period together,” he wrote.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök