WE STAND TOGETHER, WE ARE STRONG TOGETHER...
We exist to fight for our members, to protect and advance their rights, and to bring smiles to their faces.
We know that on this path, what truly matters is not merely demanding or asking for our rights, but ensuring that we receive what we rightfully deserve—the fair reward for our hard work. What truly matters is to emerge victorious from this struggle with integrity, honor, and dignity. Just as we achieved the best and most comprehensive collective agreements in previous terms, we will do so again in this term. Once more, it will be Türk Metal that signs the best agreement. Because we are Türk Metal… We stand together, we are strong together.
Unity…
It is the most powerful word that defines us — Türk Metal — and the steel wall built by tens of thousands of metal workers who forge their labor with sweat and dedication. Echoing in every workplace, every city, and every meeting, this word is deeply felt — it is the very heart of our union.
Today, that heart beats once again with the same determination. Our enthusiasm, excitement, and hope are stronger than ever. Today, with our powerful unity, we embark on a new struggle. We open a new chapter and set out once more to defend the dignity of labor.
With the meeting of our Enlarged Representatives Assembly held in Ankara on 4 September, we officially launched the 2025–2027 Group Collective Bargaining Agreement process. However, our preparations had begun long before that date.
We prepared our draft through months of meticulous work, with the active participation of our members in meetings, the completion of surveys, and the analyses conducted by independent research institutions.
We have never abandoned one of the strongest traditions of our Union — the principle of trade union democracy. With the collective wisdom of more than 140,000 Turkish Metalworkers’ Union members employed in some of the most prominent workplaces of our country—workers who produce, create value, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity—we have carefully assessed their shared will and common demands at our Headquarters. Through this democratic and inclusive process, we have formulated a well-grounded and widely supported proposal, reflecting the genuine expectations of our members. This proposal has been officially submitted to the employers’ association, MESS, marking another step in our commitment to represent our members with unity, strength, and determination.
We are a responsible trade union.
Our sole purpose is to receive the fair value of our labor, to bring one more slice of bread to our tables, and to build a better future for our children. As we keep the wheels of industry turning, we contribute to the growth of our nation and the advancement of our industry. In return for all these efforts, we seek nothing more than our rightful share—the just reward for our hard work and dedication.
On October 13, our negotiation committees will take their seats at the table empowered by the strength and will of our members. We are fully aware that the task ahead will not be easy. We all recognize the current state of the economy, the difficulties faced, and the contraction in the industrial sector. However, we have never chosen the easy path—nor have we ever sought to achieve what was simple. Overcoming challenges has always been a part of our tradition, and we will continue our struggle in that same spirit today. For us, that table is not merely a negotiation table. It is a place where the future of tens of thousands of metalworkers—the future of every Türk Metal member—is represented. When we sit at that table, we will do so with full awareness of the realities of daily life: the conditions of the marketplace, the father unable to give his child pocket money, and the families struggling to pay their rent. These truths will guide our stance and strengthen our resolve at every step of the negotiation process.
No matter how difficult the circumstances may be, our faith remains unshaken. Because, as we have witnessed time and again throughout our history — where there is Türk Metal, there is hope, and there is struggle!
***
As you know, this July, we once again experienced the honor of being the largest trade union in our country. We do not view this achievement merely as a numerical success, but rather as a powerful reflection of our Union’s organized strength, its unwavering determination, and the unshakeable trust our members place in their Union. Behind this success lies the hard work, dedication, and confidence of each and every one of our members—the true source of Türk Metal’s enduring strength and unity.
As we have always done, we will continue to stand wherever there is a struggle for rights. Even if there is only one metalworker calling out for Türk Metal, we will be there — by their side, ensuring they are never left alone, and making them feel the pride and strength of being part of Türk Metal.
We are the largest union, and we will act with the responsibility that comes with this strength. We will work harder, fight more resolutely, and continue to serve and produce for all metalworkers and their families, upholding the values that define our unity and purpose.
***
All of our social facilities across Turkey have been established for our members — they exist because of them and for them. We take great pride in offering our members and their families the opportunity to rest, breathe, and strengthen solidarity within these facilities. Throughout the summer months, the laughter of our children and the conversations of our members have brought life and joy to our centers. Thousands of our brothers and sisters have benefited from these facilities — and many more will continue to do so. Because we stand by our members not only in the workplace but in every aspect of life.
Through all these efforts, we have given a new meaning to trade unionism in Turkey. We have become the symbol of defending workers’ rights and bringing happiness to metalworkers. For the rights, justice, and well-being of our members, we have worked tirelessly — and we will continue this effort without pause, without hesitation.
***
Never forget this — we exist to fight for our members, to protect their rights, and to bring smiles to their faces.
On this path, we know that what truly matters is not merely to demand or to ask, but to rightfully earn what we deserve — to claim the fair reward of our labor with honor, dignity, and integrity, and to emerge victorious from this struggle. Just as we achieved the best and most comprehensive collective agreements in the past, we will once again do so in this term. We will once again ensure that the best agreement bears the signature of Türk Metal. Because we are Türk Metal — united, determined, and strong together.
As long as we have the support of our members behind us, we will never lose a single struggle.
As long as our members stand with us, every victory will be ours. What truly matters is that we never abandon our sacred spirit of unity, our unmatched solidarity, and our legendary stance of standing shoulder to shoulder.
Together, we will march forward — toward new victories and new achievements.