About Us
Our Principles

The sustained growth and strengthening of our Turkish Metalworkers’ Union, since its founding in 1963, has been the direct result of its unwavering adherence to its core principles and strategic objectives.

OUR PRINCIPLES

  • COMMITMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
  • Our Union is a democratic mass organization that operates in full compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.
  • SOCIAL STATE GOVERNED BY THE RULE OF LAW
  • Our Union is a supporter and defender of a free and democratic regime, firmly committed to the principles of a secular and social state governed by the rule of law.
  • INDEPENDENT TRADE UNIONISM
  • Our Union advocates “a non-partisan and independent trade unionism”, maintaining equal distance from all political parties and trade unions, and rejecting any form of privilege or discrimination.
  • PARTICIPATION, TRANSPARENCY, AND DEMOCRACY
  • Our Union conducts its organizational structure, approach, and operations in line with the core principles of participation, transparency, and democracy. All delegates and representatives of our Union are elected through democratic elections, ensuring fair representation and accountability.
  • STRUGGLE FOR LABOUR
  • Our Union actively combats wage injustice, income inequality, tax unfairness, informal employment, layoffs, unemployment, and inflation, addressing these challenges as social and economic issues that directly affect the lives and well-being of workers.
  • RETURNING MEMBERSHIP FEES TO MEMBERS
  • Our Union regards the reinvestment of membership fees back into its members as a fundamental duty. All dues collected from members are returned to them in the form of social, cultural, and educational services, benefiting not only members but also their spouses and children.
  • SOCIAL TRADE UNIONISM
  • Our Union takes active steps to ensure that its members, along with their spouses and children, become healthy, conscious, well-educated, and culturally enriched individuals, contributing positively to society and the nation. To this end, the Union establishes and maintains facilities and investments that promote social, cultural, and sports activities.
  • LEADER IN SOLIDARITY
  • Our Union stands at the forefront of social solidarity, supporting efforts aimed at the democratic and equitable resolution of the problems faced not only by workers but also by public employees, retirees, farmers, tradespeople, and other social groups.
  • NO ROOM FOR SUBMISSION
  • Our Union rejects any form of submission or compromise that undermines workers’ rights and freedoms. It remains firmly committed to expanding labor rights through collective bargaining, protecting the legal and social interests of employees, and engaging in lawful and legitimate struggles whenever necessary.
  • COMPROMISE AND DIALOGUE
  • During periods of economic, social, and political difficulty, our Union advocates for mutual understanding, dialogue, and constructive solutions between workers and employers, believing that cooperation grounded in fairness and respect for prevailing conditions is essential for the stability and progress of the country.

 

 

OUR OBJECTIVES

Our Union’s Fundamental Vision: “To Produce, To Earn, and To Help Others Earn”

Advocacy for Unionization and Workers’ Rights

Our Union continues its struggle—within the framework of constitutional and legal principles—for the unionization of all workers, not only in the metal industry but across every sector, and for the removal of barriers to union organization.

Commitment to a Fair and Prosperous Society

Our Union envisions a developed nation where all working people enjoy equal and just distribution of wealth. To achieve this goal, it undertakes every necessary effort to promote peace and stability in working life and social relations.

Ensuring Strong Collective Agreements and Enforcement

Our Union is dedicated to negotiating collective bargaining agreements that enhance the living standards of its members, and to ensuring the full and faithful implementation of these agreements as signed.

Safe, Fair, and Dignified Working Conditions

Our Union strives to ensure that its members work in healthy and safe conditions, receive wages befitting human dignity, and contribute to efficient and high-quality production through fair and equitable labor practices.

Modern Education and Union Awareness

Through its modern and comprehensive training seminars, our Union endeavors to foster both the cultural development and the trade union consciousness of all members, empowering them to become informed, confident, and active participants in the labor movement.