Turkish shepherds refuse to work without paid internet to watch TikTok (3 photos)

Local farmers report difficulties in finding candidates for vacancies.





In Elazig, Turkey, farmers complain about difficulties in finding shepherds. Employers offer 70,000 Turkish liras per month, as well as food, housing and clothing. This rate is higher than the salary of a civil servant, says local farmer Nurettin Çelenk, whose words are quoted by a local publication.



Chelenk acknowledges the difficulties of the profession: it is necessary to move along the mountain slopes, herd sheep in any weather - rain or snow. Urbanization also affects the situation in the livestock sector: the younger generation is increasingly less likely to consider herding as a life's work.

Due to the shortage of labor, farmers are forced to agree to almost any conditions that potential candidates put forward. For example, they began to request payment for the Internet to watch TikTok. Farmers are upset, but make concessions. But even this cannot retain employees.

Nurettin Çelenka used to have 500 sheep, but due to the lack of a shepherd and the inability to graze them, he sold most of the herd. Now he has 150 animals, which he grazes himself.