ISTANBUL – The Istanbul Branch No. 1 of the Turkish Metal Union (Türk Metal Sendikası), one of the leading labor unions in Turkey's metal industry, held its 6th Ordinary General Assembly with great enthusiasm and participation on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Honored by the presence of President Uysal Altundağ, the general assembly served as a critical platform for union democracy, evaluation of the past term, and setting future strategies. The meeting addressed numerous vital topics, from union principles and economic challenges to organizational successes and the upcoming collective bargaining process.

Presidium Formed, Altundağ Emphasizes Founding Spirit

The General Assembly commenced with President Uysal Altundağ presiding over the Presidium. Deputy President Mürsel Öcal and General Secretary Taliphan Kıymaz were elected as Deputy Presidium Chairs, while Forschner Kablo workplace delegate Mergül Çoşkun and Mercedes-Benz Türk workplace delegate Furkan Şahin served as Presidium Clerks.

President Altundağ began his opening speech by reminding the audience that Türk Metal Union would soon celebrate its 63rd anniversary. He articulated the core principles and spirit that have carried the union to the present day: "We grew up and were educated in this organization, learning our union culture and discipline here. For us, the union was the most important platform for struggling for the right to labor, for a slice of bread on our tables. The goal of this struggle was always a well-fed, well-clothed metal worker. The union was the address of working-class unity for us. It was a symbol of our strength. But above all, the union was brotherhood. It was the hearth of being one, being great, being vibrant. For us, the union was the address of fair distribution, meeting in prosperity, and sharing that prosperity. Our principle of fair sharing was what differentiated us from others."

Organizational Success and Global Economic Storms

In his speech, President Altundağ particularly emphasized the importance of organizing. Drawing attention to Türk Metal's significant organizing efforts, he highlighted the achievements of Istanbul Branch No. 1 in its last four-year activity period as an example: "Istanbul Branch No. 1 achieved significant success in the last four-year period by organizing in 10 workplaces and signing collective agreements in 8 of them. It added hundreds of colleagues from 10 workplaces to the Türk Metal family. I thank everyone who contributed. I welcome all our new colleagues to Türk Metal, the great brotherhood of 63 years."

However, Altundağ also touched upon the current challenges of unionism. Stating that the global and national economies are going through a painful period, Altundağ painted the current picture: "Life is getting harder for workers every day. Our wages are eroding daily, and the heavy burdens placed on workers have turned even just making ends meet into a luxury, let alone living a dignified life." He noted that global factors such as supply chain issues after Covid-19, rising energy costs exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war, China's pressure on Europe, US-China trade wars, investment slowdowns, and increasing costs deeply affect Turkey and particularly sectors like the automotive industry.

"Aiming for a High Standard of Living with the Türk Metal Spirit"

President Uysal Altundağ affirmed that they are aware of all adverse conditions and are striving to fulfill their duties to the best of their ability to navigate this difficult period with minimum damage to their members. He emphasized that the union's greatest strength lies in the Türk Metal spirit, which he described as "the spirit of those who fight for honest earnings, who walk tirelessly, fearlessly, without bowing down. This spirit is the spirit of being a lover of Turkey, of remaining loyal to the cause of labor. This is the spirit with which we work. This is the spirit with which we grow. This is the spirit with which we make Türk Metal a brand."

Altundağ stated that Türk Metal Union has taken very important steps with the Türk Metal spirit. "We have touched your lives not only with the agreements we signed but also with training, investment projects, and social activities. Every penny of dues we received from you was again offered for your service. In other words, in addition to providing job security, a healthy working environment, and above-average wages, we spared no effort to provide you with a high standard of living." He highlighted the union's training seminars, the establishment of Türk Metal Academy for new-generation unionism, and training on Industry 4.0 and digitalization. He also mentioned social facilities and five-star hotel investments across Turkey for members and their families to enjoy their leisure time in peace and security.

"We Will Sign the Best Agreement of the Period: A New Era in September"

In the final part of his speech, President Altundağ reminded that Türk Metal Union would enter a new collective bargaining process starting in September. He stated that this agreement is at the forefront of their minds, hearts, and agenda, dedicating a large portion of their efforts to it. "We are studying hard," Altundağ said, emphasizing the strength of unity and stating that they plan the future based on current conditions and forecasts.

He assured that they would consider members' voices, expectations, the diminishing bread on their tables, and their children's pocket money. Altundağ announced that they would continue conducting surveys, consulting with representatives, and convening an Expanded Representatives Council meeting in Ankara next week. He committed to working diligently throughout the summer and preparing a draft that "considers all conditions, protects our members, does not yield an inch on our rights, and is a result of our sweat, acceptable to all of us." He concluded his speech by saying, "Our work will not be easy. But we have never been a union that achieves things easily. It will be difficult, we will struggle, but in the end, as always, despite all difficulties, we will sign the best agreement of the period."

Strong Interest from Business World and Civil Society

Following President Altundağ's speech, Volkan Tutal, Director of Mercedes-Benz Türk Bus; Ali Okyay, Executive Board Member of Borusan Boru; Adnan Uyar, TÜRK-İŞ Istanbul 1st Regional President; and Mevlüt Usta, Vatan Party Istanbul Provincial Vice President, also took the floor, extending their wishes for the success of the general assembly proceedings.

The General Assembly continued with the unanimous acceptance of the Activity Report by the delegates. Gamze Nur Eraydın from Mita Kalıp and Samet Zülfioğlu from Borusan Boru also addressed the general assembly hall.

Among the guests were prominent figures from the sector and business world, including Okan Yosunlu, Public and Member Relations Director of the Turkish Metal Industrialists' Union (MESS); Betül Çorbacıoğlu and Yiğit Özgünel, Human Resources Directors of Mercedes-Benz Türk; Livio Manzini, Chairman of the Board of BELL Holding, and Bilgen Çağlı, Human Resources Director of BELL Holding. Also present were managers from companies such as Bıçakçılar Medikal, Kormetal, Salcomp Türkiye, Mita Kalıp, AG Melco, Forschner Kablo, Supsan Automotive Parts, Net Cıvata, Pressan, and Perfektüp, along with Ergin Dinç, President of the Turkish Metal Union Research and Training Center (TAEM), numerous representatives from non-governmental organizations and political parties, Branch Presidents of unions affiliated with TÜRK-İŞ, Branch Presidents of Türk Metal Union, and many members from workplaces organized in Istanbul. This broad participation confirmed Türk Metal Union's strong position in the sector and in society.

In the elections, which were held with a single list, Mehmet Ali Akman was elected as Branch President, Mustafa Çelik as Branch Secretary, Levent Akyol as Branch Financial Secretary, Raşit Atalay as Branch Organizing Secretary, and Tuncay Işık as Branch Education Secretary, taking office for the new term.