Critical Juncture in Public Framework Protocol Talks: Offer Expected for 600 Thousand Workers, Ultimatum from Unions

The 4th round of KÇP talks concerning 600 thousand public sector workers was held, no offer was received from the employer. Strong message from TÜRK-İŞ/HAK-İŞ delegation: If no offer comes next week, we will leave the table, strike procedure may begin!

No Offer from the Fourth Meeting:

The fourth round of the 2025 Public Sector Collective Bargaining Framework Agreement Protocol (KÇP) negotiations, which directly concern approximately 600 thousand workers in the public sector, was held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Headquarters of the Turkish Heavy Industry and Services Public Employer Union (TÜHİS). During the day-long meetings, the proposal articles submitted by the confederations were evaluated. However, the employer side did not present a concrete proposal regarding wages and social rights in this meeting either.

Joint and Clear Message from Unions:

Following the meeting, TÜRK-İŞ Deputy Chairman Ramazan Ağar made a joint press statement on behalf of the TÜRK-İŞ and HAK-İŞ delegations. Ağar expressed clearly that they want the collective bargaining agreement to be signed as soon as possible on behalf of the workers who are in difficult living conditions.

Ağar conveyed that the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security and TÜHİS officials told them that they would work intensively and definitely present an offer "next week." However, the unions' expectation on this matter is quite critical. Ramazan Ağar, stating "If no offer comes to us at the next meeting, we will not come together again. Therefore, we definitely expect an offer next week... If an offer comes, we will share our stance with you," giving, so to speak, an ultimatum.

Process Moved to Mediator, Strike Procedure on the Horizon:

It was stated that the legal procedures in public sector collective bargaining processes are progressing and the lack of a concrete offer from the employer prolongs the negotiations. Information was shared that the collective bargaining processes of some unions affiliated with HAK-İŞ and TÜRK-İŞ have reached the official mediator stage, and some have even completed this process.

In the statements made by the confederations, it was reminded that if the employer does not present an offer, strike procedures will begin in workplaces in the next stage, and it was reiterated that they "will not hesitate to use the power derived from production." This statement clearly shows that the unions are ready for action if a concrete step is not taken in the process.

Participants:

The meeting held at TÜHİS Headquarters was attended by HAK-İŞ Confederation Public Framework Protocol Coordination Board Deputy Chairman Halil Çukutli, Deputy Secretary General Hamdi Abdullah Koçoğlu, Öz Sağlık-İş Union Deputy Chairman Adem Yavuz, and Deputy Secretary General Yahya Bilgin on behalf of the HAK-İŞ Confederation. TÜRK-İŞ was represented by Deputy Chairmen Ramazan Ağar and İrfan Kabaloğlu. In addition, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security Faruk Özçelik and officials from TÜHİS and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security were also present at the meeting.

Approximately 600 thousand public sector workers will have their eyes and ears on the offer expected from TÜHİS next week. The clear stance of the unions indicates that the process has entered a critical phase. The confederations reiterate their full determination to protect the rights of their members and achieve the demands arising from the collective bargaining agreement.