Türk Metal Union enthusiastically celebrated its 2nd Grand Congress for Young Workers in Ankara. The summit, attended by General Chairman Uysal Altundağ and Minister Vedat Işıkhan, addressed the role of youth in union strengthening, global challenges, and the future of labor struggles.

In the spirit of May 19th Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, Türk Metal Union brought together approximately 500 metalworkers under the age of 30 for its 2nd Grand Congress for Young Workers. The two-day program, held in Ankara on May 18-19, 2025, allowed young metal laborers from the union's organized workplaces to enhance their union knowledge and reinforce their spirit of unity and solidarity.

A Comprehensive Program: From Panel to Anıtkabir Visit

The first day of the Congress began with a panel titled "Young Workers' Perception of Unions," which delved deeply into the issue. Moderated by Aslı Ünsalan, the panel featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atilla Güler and Valeo workplace union representative Abdülgani Dayı as speakers, offering significant insights. Following the panel, participants collectively visited Anıtkabir, the eternal resting place of the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, paying their respects. On the evening of the first day, attendees enjoyed the theater play "Seviyorsan Git Ayrıl Bence."

Altundağ: "Türk Metal Rises on Your Shoulders, Young People"

The second day of the Congress commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Türk Metal Union General Chairman Uysal Altundağ. Altundağ began by expressing his pleasure in celebrating May 19th Atatürk Commemoration, Youth and Sports Day with young laborers. He emphasized that Türk Metal is an "ekol" (school) and a pioneer in the industrial relations system of our country. Referring to the union's groundbreaking events like the Grand Congress for Women Workers, Altundağ noted that the union's member profile is getting younger, with nearly one-third of its members being under 30. "Türk Metal rises on your shoulders, young people. Türk Metal is rejuvenating with you. It is strengthening with you. It is good that you exist, it is good that we are together," he said, expressing his faith in the youth.

General Chairman Altundağ detailed the union's philosophy and the comprehensive services offered to its members (job security, healthy working conditions, fair wages, social rights, vocational training, social facilities, student dormitories). He stated that by establishing the Türk Metal Academy, they have begun "training knowledgeable, equipped, educated cadres who understand new-generation unionism, the changing working life, Industry 4.0, and digitalization."

"Being Unionized Means Putting Your Hand Under the Stone"

Touching upon the difficulties of the union struggle from past to present, Altundağ reminded participants that the rights gained (bonuses, meal services, transportation, complementary health insurance) were not easily achieved. Addressing young workers, he urged them, "Know the value of being unionized well, know the value of being a Türk Metal member well. Know that you must protect your union as if it were your honor." Sharing examples from his own union past, Altundağ recounted how he increased membership from 5,000 to 16,000 during his time as branch president in Gebze Dilovası and how they proudly waved the flag of Türk Metal with victories.

Altundağ stated that young workers face challenges such as global economic difficulties, poverty, injustice, wars, and pandemics. He affirmed, "You are the greatest potential to improve this picture and to establish a prosperous world free from these problems in the future." Emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity, he entrusted the youth with the responsibility of reaching out to hundreds of thousands of unorganized metalworkers and growing the union.

Strong Messages from Young Workers: "We Are Building the Future with Hope"

Following the General Chairman's speech, young worker delegates took the stage to express their feelings and faith in the union. Sinem Babur from Gemlik said that Türk Metal not only defends their rights but also empowers them, strengthens them, and values them as part of a strong family. Yunus Yıldız from Eskişehir Ford Otosan stated, "We are conscious of our rights, and most importantly, with the confidence our union gives us, we raise our voices... We have dreams for tomorrow: a Türkiye where labor is not devalued, where a humane wage is considered a right, where secure work is the rule, and where prosperity prevails. We are building the future with this hope."

Minister Işıkhan's Special Emphasis on the Metal Sector and Union Success

Returning for the afternoon session of the Congress, Minister of Labor and Social Security, Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan, reiterated his pleasure at being with the young workers. Making a special note on the metal sector, Minister Işıkhan said, "You are under the roof of one of Türkiye's largest union organizations; a deeply rooted, combative, and visionary union like Türk Metal. This grand congress is also an indicator of the pursuit of rights, the rise of consciousness, and the power of organized labor." He pointed out that while the national unionization rate is around 15%, this figure reaches 19% in the metal sector, and Türk Metal, with nearly 294,000 members, plays a leading role in this success. He concluded his speech by stating, "Union means unity. Union means solidarity. Union means seeking rights, defending rights, and building the future."

The Congress was also attended by Dr. Mehmet Baş, General Manager of Labor; İhsan Esen, General Manager of CSGB Information Technologies; Türk Metal's Vice Chairmen and Secretary General; UAMİF Secretary General Murat Salar; and 60 foreign guests from 14 UAMİF member countries. This wide participation once again confirmed Türk Metal's strong position on both national and international platforms.