Hak-İş Deputy Chairman Halil Çukutli Attends OATUU Executive Board Meeting

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA - Halil Çukutli, Deputy Chairman of the Hak-İş Confederation, attended the 46th Executive Board meeting of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on August 22, 2025, to represent the Turkish labor movement on the international stage. In his address, Çukutli emphasized the Confederation's commitment to international solidarity and cooperation.

Conveying the greetings of Hak-İş Chairman Mahmut Arslan, Çukutli highlighted that Hak-İş is one of Türkiye's largest labor confederations, with over 850,000 members across 21 unions. He also noted Hak-İş's active and respected membership in prestigious international organizations like ITUC and ETUC.

"We Are Aware of OATUU's Critical Role"

Çukutli expressed deep appreciation for the historical and ongoing struggle of African trade unions to protect workers' rights, dignity, and welfare across the continent. He stated, "We are aware of the critical role OATUU plays not only in defending workers' rights but also in strengthening social justice, independence, and unity among the peoples of Africa. Your efforts transcend your borders and inspire trade unions around the world, including organized workers in Türkiye."

"A Strong Trade Union Movement is Needed"

Addressing the common challenges faced by global trade movements, Çukutli said, "As unions, we face shared problems such as precarious work, informal economy, attacks on trade union rights, migration, and deepening income inequality. However, our shared will for solidarity and social justice is stronger than these problems." He emphasized the urgent need for a strong, democratic, and united trade union movement that speaks with one voice across continents. Çukutli added that Türkiye is ready to strengthen its relations and cooperation with the African trade union movement, sharing experiences and fighting shoulder to shoulder on global platforms.

"Call for Unhindered Humanitarian Aid to Gaza"

In his speech, Çukutli also addressed the situation in Gaza, stating that unions have a responsibility to stand with oppressed peoples, guided by the principles of solidarity, anti-imperialism, and workers' rights. He called on the attendees to stand with the Palestinian people, condemn the genocide committed by Zionist Israel against the innocent people of Gaza, demand an immediate end to the war and famine, and call for unhindered humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

"We Stand in Strong Solidarity with OATUU"

Çukutli concluded by announcing ongoing discussions with OATUU Secretary-General Rezki Mezhoud to organize an "Africa-Turkish Trade Union Summit" in Türkiye in the near future. He extended his special thanks to Mezhoud for his efforts to strengthen relations between OATUU and Hak-İş, reaffirming their strong solidarity.